Rpd3p relocation mediates a transcriptional response to rapamycin in yeast

Chem Biol. 2004 Mar;11(3):295-9. doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2004.03.001.

Abstract

Treating yeast cells with rapamycin, a small molecule that inhibits the TOR proteins, leads to the repression of many genes. Consistent with prior studies, we find that RPD3, which encodes a histone deacetylase (HDAC), is required for repression upon rapamycin treatment. To elucidate the mechanism underlying RPD3-mediated repression, we screened all promoters in yeast for occupancy by Rpd3p before and after treatment with rapamycin. We find that Rpd3p binds to the promoters of rapamycin-repressible genes only following treatment. These data conflict with a previously proposed model suggesting that Rpd3p is constitutively bound to rapamycin-repressible genes and becomes active only after a stimulus such as treatment with rapamycin. Rather, the comprehensive analysis presented here strongly supports a model in which recruitment of Rpd3p to gene promoters is a regulated step in the control of gene repression.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Down-Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal / drug effects*
  • Genes, Fungal / genetics
  • Histone Deacetylases / metabolism*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Protein Transport
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / drug effects*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Sirolimus / pharmacology*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects*

Substances

  • Repressor Proteins
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • RPD3 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Histone Deacetylases
  • Sirolimus