The DNA damage checkpoint signal in budding yeast is nuclear limited

Mol Cell. 2000 Aug;6(2):487-92. doi: 10.1016/s1097-2765(00)00047-2.

Abstract

The nature of the DNA damage-induced checkpoint signal that causes the arrest of cells prior to mitosis is unknown. To determine if this signal is transmitted through the cytoplasm or is confined to the nucleus, we created binucleate heterokaryon yeast cells in which one nucleus suffered an unrepairable double-strand break, and the second nucleus was undamaged. In most of these binucleate cells, the damaged nucleus arrested prior to spindle elongation, while the undamaged nucleus completed mitosis, even when the strength of the damage signal was increased. The arrest of the damaged nucleus was dependent upon the function of the RAD9 checkpoint gene. Thus, the DNA damage checkpoint causing G2/M arrest is regulated by a signal that is nuclear limited.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle / physiology*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / physiology*
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / physiology*
  • DNA Damage*
  • G2 Phase
  • Genotype
  • Mitosis
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / cytology
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics*

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • rad9 protein