Initial characterization of the nascent polypeptide-associated complex in yeast

Barbara Reimann, John Bradsher, Jacqueline Franke, Enno Hartmann, Martin Wiedmann, Siegfried Prehn, Brigitte Wiedmann*

*Corresponding author for this work
62 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The three subunits of the nascent polypeptide associated complex (α, β1, β3,) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are encoded by three genes (EGD2, EGD1, BTT1). We found the complex bound to ribosomes via the β-subunits in a salt-sensitive manner, in close proximity to nascent polypeptides. Estimation of the molecular weight of the complex of wild-type cells and cells lacking one or two subunits revealed that the composition of the complex is variable and that as yet unknown proteins might be included. Regardless of the variability, a certain balance of the subunits has to be maintained: the deletion of one subunit causes downregulation of the remaining subunits at physiological growth temperature. Cells lacking both β-subunits are unable to grow at 37°C, most likely due to a toxic effect of the α-subunit. Based on in vitro experiments, it has been proposed that the function of mammalian nascent-polypeptide associated complexes (NAC) is to prevent inappropriate targeting of non-secretory nascent polypeptides. In vivo, however, the lack of NAC does not cause secretion of signal-less invertase in yeast. This result and the lack of a drastic phenotype of cells missing one, two or three subunits at optimal conditions (28°C, YPD-medium) suggest either the existence of a substitute for NAC or that cells tolerate or 'repair' the damage caused by the absence of NAC.

Original languageEnglish
JournalYeast
Volume15
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)397-407
Number of pages11
ISSN0749-503X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30.03.1999

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Initial characterization of the nascent polypeptide-associated complex in yeast'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this