This work was supported by a FAPESP grant (15/06477-9).

1. Yeast total extract preparation
<ol>
	<li>Grow the yeast cells expressing one of the splicing factors fused to the TAP tag9 in 1 L YNB-glu media (Yeast Nitrogen Basis supplemented with 2% m/v glucose) with the appropriate amino acids or nucleic bases, in this case, adenine (20 &#181;g/mL), leucine (30 &#181;g/mL), tryptophan (30 &#181;g/mL), up to OD600 = 1.0.</li>
	<li>Collect the cells from the 1 L culture by centrifuging in three 500 mL centrifuge bottles at 17,000 x g for 10 min at 4 &#176;C and wash twice with 10 mL cold sterile water.</li>
	<li>Resuspend the collected yeast cells in 1/10 of the cell volume of cold buffer A (10 mmol L-1 HEPES pH = 7.9, 1.5 mmol L-1 MgCl2, 50 mmol L-1 KCl, 5% v/v glycerol, 0.5 mmol L-1 DTT, EDTA-free Protease Inhibitor Cocktail).</li>
	<li>Freeze small drops of cell suspension in liquid nitrogen. The small drops can be obtained by pipetting the resuspended cell solution and dropping 50 &#181;L directly into liquid nitrogen. 
	CAUTION: Liquid nitrogen can cause injuries in contact with skin or eyes. Handle using appropriated safety equipment. 
	NOTE: The protocol can be paused here. The frozen drops of cell suspension can be stored at -80 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Prepare yeast cells lysates by grinding in a Ball Mill device through six cycles at 20 Hz/s for 3 min. 
	NOTE: After each cycle, immerse the container harboring the frozen cells in liquid nitrogen to avoid melting. The protocol can be paused here. The frozen extracts can be stored at -80 &#176;C. Yeast splicing extracts can also be prepared using homogenizers to lysate spheroplasts10, or using mortar and pestle11,12.</li>
	<li>Melt the extract by placing the tubes containing them in water at room temperature, shaking occasionally.</li>
	<li>Centrifuge extracts at 45,000 x g for 1 h at 4 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Quantify the protein content of the cleared supernatant by the BCA method13.</li>
	<li>Prepare aliquots of the extracts, fast freeze them in liquid nitrogen and store at -80 &#176;C. 
	NOTE: The protocol can be paused here.</li>
</ol>
2. Glycerol gradient preparation
<ol>
	<li>Prepare two glycerol solutions in Buffer A, one containing 10% v/v and the other containing 30% v/v glycerol.</li>
	<li>Add the crosslinking agent glutaraldehyde to 0.1% v/v in the 30% v/v glycerol solution and mix to homogenize. 
	CAUTION: Handle glutaraldehyde inside the fume hood using appropriate safety equipment.</li>
	<li>Add 6 mL of the cold 10% v/v glycerol solution at the bottom of the 12 mL centrifuge tube (14 x 89 mm).</li>
	<li>Add 6 mL of the cold 30% v/v glycerol solution supplemented with glutaraldehyde with a syringe attached to a long needle provided with the Gradient Master device at the bottom of the tube, just beneath the 10% v/v glycerol solution. 
	NOTE: Alternatively, the 10% v/v glycerol solution can be carefully pipetted on the top of the 30% v/v glycerol/glutaraldehyde solution.</li>
	<li>Use the Gradient Master device to generate a continuous density gradient. 
	NOTE: In the Gradient Master device, the tubes are placed into an appropriate rack and rotated briefly, following the manufacturer&#8217;s recommendations for determining the parameters (time/angle/speed). In this work we used: 2:25 min/81.5&#176;/11 rpm.</li>
	<li>Carefully add 200 &#956;L of a 7% v/v glycerol/buffer A cushion on the top just before the addition of the cell extracts. 
	NOTE: The glycerol concentration of the cushion must be lower than the less concentrated glycerol solution used to create the linear gradient.</li>
</ol>
3. Extracts centrifugation
<ol>
	<li>Load approximately 2 mg of total protein on the top of each 12 mL linear glycerol gradient 10%&#8211;30% glutaraldehyde with cushion.</li>
	<li>Place the tubes in a pre-cooled swing-bucket rotor. 
	NOTE: Handle the tubes gently to avoid mixing before ultracentrifugation.</li>
	<li>Centrifuge at 194,000 x g for 16 h at 4 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Aliquot each 12 mL tube in twenty-four 500 &#956;L fractions using an adapted EconoSystem or by carefully pipetting. 
	NOTE: An adapted EconoSystem consists of a peristaltic pump, the UV detector, and the fraction collector connected to the tube-perforating device. The sedimentation profile can be monitored by the measurement of the absorbance at 280 nm.</li>
	<li>Use a 40% v/v glycerol solution through the peristaltic pump to push the glycerol 10%&#8211;30% gradient from the tube to the fraction collector. 
	NOTE: The protocol can be paused here. Store the fractions at -80 &#176;C until use.</li>
	<li>Load 50 &#956;L of each fraction directly on nitrocellulose membranes on a dot blot or slot blot device. Detect protein by immunoblot using antibody against CBP (1:6,000, to detect the CBP portion of the TAP tag) and anti-rabbit IgG conjugated with Horseradish Peroxidase (1:15,000) as the secondary antibody.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Kastner, B., Will, C. L., Stark, H., L&#252;hrmann, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structural+insights+into+nuclear+pre-mRNA+splicing+in+higher+eukaryotes.">Structural insights into nuclear pre-mRNA splicing in higher eukaryotes.</a> Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. 11 (11), 032417 (2019).</li><li>Yan, C., Wan, R., Shi, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Molecular+mechanisms+of+pre-mRNA+splicing+through+structural+biology+of+the+spliceosome.">Molecular mechanisms of pre-mRNA splicing through structural biology of the spliceosome.</a> Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. 11 (1), 032409 (2019).</li><li>Cordin, O., Hahn, D., Beggs, J. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structure,+function+and+regulation+of+spliceosomal+RNA+helicases.">Structure, function and regulation of spliceosomal RNA helicases.</a> Current Opinion in Cell Biology. 24, 431-438 (2012).</li><li>Kastner, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=GraFix:+sample+preparation+for+single-particle+electron+cryomicroscopy.">GraFix: sample preparation for single-particle electron cryomicroscopy.</a> Nature Methods. 5 (1), 53-55 (2008).</li><li>Stark, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Grafix:+stabilization+of+fragile+macromolecular+complexes+for+single+particle+cryo-EM.">Grafix: stabilization of fragile macromolecular complexes for single particle cryo-EM.</a> Methods in Enzymology. 481, 109-126 (2010).</li><li>Yan, C., Wan, R., Bai, R., Huang, G., Shi, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structure+of+a+yeast+activated+spliceosome+at+3.5+&#197;+resolution.">Structure of a yeast activated spliceosome at 3.5 &#197; resolution.</a> Science. 353 (6302), 895-904 (2016).</li><li>Ohi, M. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Proteomics+analysis+revelas+stable+multiprotein+complexes+in+both+fission+and+budding+yeasts+containing+Myb-related+Cdc5p/Cef1p,+novel+pre-mRNA+splicing+factors,+and+snRNAs.">Proteomics analysis revelas stable multiprotein complexes in both fission and budding yeasts containing Myb-related Cdc5p/Cef1p, novel pre-mRNA splicing factors, and snRNAs.</a> Molecular and Cellular Biology. 22 (7), 2011-2024 (2002).</li><li>Lourenco, R. F., Leme, A. F. P., Oliveira, C. 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The authors do not have conflicts of interest.

Protein-protein and ribonucleic acids-protein interactions can be stabilized using crosslinking agents. It is important that the resulting complex is stable to withstand ultracentrifugation on glycerol gradient. Additionally, the buffer conditions should allow the interaction, but be stringent enough to avoid non-specific binding. In the experiments shown here, we used a buffer solution already established for in vitro splicing reactions15.
The speed and time of centrif...

Splicing is a highly dynamic process that requires binding and release of a multitude of factors in a coordinated manner. These splicing factors include RNA binding proteins, ATPases, helicases, protein kinases and phosphatases, ubiquitin ligases, among others1,2,3; and to allow for the molecular rearrangements to take place, some of these factors bind very transiently to the spliceosome subcomplexes, making the isolation and identification of these RNP intermediate complexes very challenging.
Here, we used the Grafix method4,5 to stabilize the interaction of the yeast splicing factor Cwc24 with the Bact complex6 to allow for the identification of other factors bound concomitantly to that subcomplex and determine whether the ubiquitin ligase Prp19 plays any role in the binding or release of Cwc24 to the Nineteen (NTC) complex and to the 5&#8217; end of the intron before activation and the first transesterification reaction takes place. The advantage of exposing the macromolecules to an increasing concentration of the crosslinker along the glycerol gradient is that it avoids inter-complexes crosslinks4,5, and therefore, the formation of aggregates.
This method was used as a complementation to protein coimmunoprecipitation and pull-down assays, which, despite allowing the isolation of large complexes, may not be reliable for maintaining transient interactions within large dynamic complexes7,8. The use of fixation reagents in the glycerol gradient stabilizes the binding of such factors, allowing the confirmation of interactions of specific proteins with splicing subcomplexes. Because the chosen crosslinker was chemically irreversible, proteins present in the recovered fractions were analyzed by dot blot after the gradient centrifugation.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Anti-Calmodulin Binding Protein Epitope</td><td>Millipore</td><td>07-482</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>ECL anti-Rabbit IgG</td><td>GE Healthcare</td><td>NA934</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>EconoSystem</td><td>Bio-Rad</td><td>1-800-424-6723</td><td>Parts of the EconoSystem used: peristaltic pump, the UV detector and the fraction collector</td></tr><tr><td>EDTA-free Protease Inhibitor Cocktail</td><td>Roche</td><td>11873580001</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fraction Recovery System</td><td>Beckman Coulter</td><td>270-331580</td><td>Tube-perforating device that was connected to the parts of the EconoSystem</td></tr><tr><td>Gradient Master Model 107ip</td><td>Biocomp</td><td>107-201M</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mixer Mill MM 200</td><td>Retsch</td><td>207460001</td><td>Ball Mill device</td></tr><tr><td>Rotor F12-6x500Lex</td><td>Thermo Scientific</td><td>096-062375</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sorvall RC 6 Plus Centrifuge</td><td>Thermo Scientific</td><td>36-101-0816</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Swinging Bucket Rotor P40ST</td><td>Hitachi</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ultracentrifuge CP 80 NX</td><td>Hitachi</td><td>901069</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ultra-Clear Centrifuge Tubes (14 x 89 mm)</td><td>Beckman Coulter</td><td>344059</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

utilization of grafix for the detection of transient interactors of saccharomyces cerevisiae spliceosome subcomplexes

Pre-mRNA splicing is a very dynamic process that involves many molecular rearrangements of the spliceosome subcomplexes during assembly, RNA processing, and release of the complex components. Glycerol gradient centrifugation has been used for the separation of protein or RNP (RiboNucleoProtein) complexes for functional and structural studies. Here, we describe the utilization of Grafix (Gradient Fixation), which was first developed to purify and stabilize macromolecular complexes for single particle cryo-electron microscopy, to identify interactions between splicing factors that bind transiently to the spliceosome complex. This method is based on the centrifugation of samples into an increasing concentration of a fixation reagent to stabilize complexes. After centrifugation of yeast total extracts loaded on glycerol gradients, recovered fractions are analyzed by dot blot for the identification of the spliceosome sub-complexes and determination of the presence of individual splicing factors.

To analyze the sedimentation profile of Cwc24-TAP and determine whether the Grafix method was effective to stabilize its binding to splicing subcomplexes, we separated total yeast extracts of cells expressing Cwc24-TAP through centrifugation on glycerol gradients, in the presence or absence of glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. Samples of twenty-four 500 &#956;L fractions were then analyzed by slot blot with antibody against the CBP portion of the TAP tag. The results show that in the absence of the crosslinker, Cwc...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Utilization of Grafix for the Detection of Transient Interactors of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Spliceosome Subcomplexes at JoVE.com

Utilization of Grafix for the Detection of Transient Interactors of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Spliceosome Subcomplexes

Here, we describe the utilization of Grafix (Gradient Fixation), a glycerol gradient centrifugation in the presence of a crosslinker, to identify interactions between splicing factors that bind transiently to the spliceosome complex.

Utilization of Grafix for the Detection of Transient Interactors of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Spliceosome Subcomplexes

Pre-mRNA splicing is a very dynamic process that involves many molecular rearrangements of the spliceosome subcomplexes during assembly, RNA processing, ...

utilization-grafix-for-detection-transient-interactors-saccharomyces

Research

JoVE Journal

Biochemistry

3.5K Views.  University of Sao Paulo. Hier beschrijven we het gebruik van Grafix (Gradient Fixation), een glycerol gradiënt centrifugatie in de aanwezigheid van een crosslinker, om interacties te identificeren tussen splicingfactoren die tijdelijk binden aan het spliceosoomcomplex.

Video: Utilization of Grafix for the Detection of Transient Interactors of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Spliceosome Subcomplexes

Single Molecule Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (smFISH) Analysis in Budding Yeast Vegetative Growth and Meiosis

Single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) is a powerful technique to study gene expression in single cells due to its ability to detect and count individual RNA molecules. Complementary to deep sequencing-based methods, smFISH provides information about the cell-to-cell variation in transcript abundance and the subcellular localization of a given RNA. Recently, we have used smFISH to study the expression of the gene&#160;NDC80&#160;during meiosis in budding yeast, in which two transcript isoforms exist and the short transcript isoform has its entire sequence shared with the long isoform. To confidently identify each transcript isoform, we optimized known smFISH protocols and obtained high consistency and quality of smFISH data for the samples acquired during budding yeast meiosis. Here, we describe this optimized protocol, the criteria that we use to determine whether high quality of smFISH data is obtained, and some tips for implementing this protocol in&#160;other yeast strains and growth conditions.

Single Molecule Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization smFISH Analysis in Budding Yeast Vegetative Growth and Meiosis

This single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization protocol is optimized to quantify the number of RNA molecules in budding yeast during vegetative growth and meiosis.

Single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) is a powerful technique to study gene expression in single cells due to its ability to detect ...

Genetics

Identification of protein complexes with quantitative proteomics in S. cerevisiae

Lipids are the building blocks of cellular membranes that function as barriers and in compartmentalization of cellular processes, and recently, as important intracellular signalling molecules. However, unlike proteins, lipids are small hydrophobic molecules that traffic primarily by poorly described nonvesicular routes, which are hypothesized to occur at membrane contact sites (MCSs). MCSs are regions where the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) makes direct physical contact with a partnering organelle, e.g., plasma membrane (PM). The ER portion of ER-PM MCSs is enriched in lipid-synthesizing enzymes, suggesting that lipid synthesis is directed to these sites and implying that MCSs are important for lipid traffic. Yeast is an ideal model to study ER-PM MCSs because of their abundance, with over 1000 contacts per cell, and their conserved nature in all eukaryotes. Uncovering the proteins that constitute MCSs is critical to understanding how lipids traffic is accomplished in cells, and how they act as signaling molecules. We have found that an ER called Scs2p localize to ER-PM MCSs and is important for their formation. We are focused on uncovering the molecular partners of Scs2p. Identification of protein complexes traditionally relies on first resolving purified protein samples by gel electrophoresis, followed by in-gel digestion of protein bands and analysis of peptides by mass spectrometry. This often limits the study to a small subset of proteins. Also, protein complexes are exposed to denaturing or non-physiological conditions during the procedure. To circumvent these problems, we have implemented a large-scale quantitative proteomics technique to extract unbiased and quantified data. We use stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to incorporate staple isotope nuclei in proteins in an untagged control strain. Equal volumes of tagged culture and untagged, SILAC-labeled culture are mixed together and lysed by grinding in liquid nitrogen. We then carry out an affinity purification procedure to pull down protein complexes. Finally, we precipitate the protein sample, which is ready for analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography/ tandem mass spectrometry. Most importantly, proteins in the control strain are labeled by the heavy isotope and will produce a mass/ charge shift that can be quantified against the unlabeled proteins in the bait strain. Therefore, contaminants, or unspecific binding can be easily eliminated. By using this approach, we have identified several novel proteins that localize to ER-PM MCSs. Here we present a detailed description of our approach. 

Here we describe a new quantitative proteomics technique for identifying protein complexes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, we have used the SILAC method together with affinity purification followed by tandem mass spectrometry to identify with high specificity the binding partners of an ER protein, Scs2p.

Lipids are the building blocks of cellular membranes that function as barriers and in compartmentalization of cellular processes, and recently, as ...

Biology

ACT1-CUP1 Assays Determine the Substrate-Specific Sensitivities of Spliceosomal Mutants in Budding Yeast

Mutations introduced in the spliceosome or its substrate have significantly contributed to our understanding of the intricacies of spliceosomal function. Whether disease-related or functionally selected, many of these mutations have been studied using growth assays in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast). The splicing-specific copper growth assay, or ACT1-CUP1 assay, provides a comprehensive analysis of mutation at the phenotypic level. The ACT1-CUP1 assay utilizes reporters that confer copper tolerance when correctly spliced. Thus, in the presence of copper, changes in yeast viability correlate to changes in mRNA production through splicing. In a typical experiment, the yeast spliceosome is challenged with different non-consensus splicing reporters and the splicing factor mutation of interest to detect any synergetic or antithetical impact on splicing. Here a full description of copper plate preparation, plating of yeast cells, and data evaluation are given. A selection of complimentary experiments is described, highlighting the versatility of the ACT1-CUP1 reporters. The ACT1-CUP1 assay is a handy tool in the splicing toolbox thanks to the direct read-out of mutational effect(s) and the comparative possibilities from the continuing use in the field.

The ACT1-CUP1 assay, a copper growth assay, provides a quick readout of precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing and the impact mutant splicing factors have on spliceosomal function. This study provides a protocol and highlights the customization possible to address the splicing question of interest.

Mutations introduced in the spliceosome or its substrate have significantly contributed to our understanding of the intricacies of spliceosomal function. ...

Detection of Homologous Recombination Intermediates via Proximity Ligation and Quantitative PCR in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

DNA damage, including DNA double-stranded breaks and inter-strand cross-links, incurred during the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle can be repaired by homologous recombination (HR). In addition, HR represents an important mechanism of replication fork rescue following stalling or collapse. The regulation of the many reversible and irreversible steps of this complex pathway promotes its fidelity. The physical analysis of the recombination intermediates formed during HR enables the characterization of these controls by various nucleoprotein factors and their interactors. Though there are well-established methods to assay specific events and intermediates in the recombination pathway, the detection of D-loop formation and extension, two critical steps in this pathway, has proved challenging until recently. Here, efficient methods for detecting key events in the HR pathway, namely DNA double-stranded break formation, D-loop formation, D-loop extension, and the formation of products via break-induced replication (BIR) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are described. These assays detect their relevant recombination intermediates and products with high sensitivity and are independent of cellular viability. The detection of D-loops, D-loop extension, and the BIR product is based on proximity ligation. Together, these assays allow for the study of the kinetics of HR at the population level to finely address the functions of HR proteins and regulators at significant steps in the pathway.

Detection of Homologous Recombination Intermediates via Proximity Ligation and Quantitative PCR in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The D-loop capture (DLC) and D-loop extension (DLE) assays utilize the principle of proximity ligation together with quantitative PCR to quantify D-loop formation, D-loop extension, and product formation at the site of an inducible double-stranded break in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

DNA damage, including DNA double-stranded breaks and inter-strand cross-links, incurred during the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle can be repaired by ...

Complementation of Splicing Activity by a Galectin-3 - U1 snRNP Complex on Beads

Classic depletion-reconstitution experiments indicate that galectin-3 is a required splicing factor in nuclear extracts. The mechanism of incorporation of galectin-3 into the splicing pathway is addressed in this paper. Sedimentation of HeLa cell nuclear extracts on 12%-32% glycerol gradients yields fractions enriched in an endogenous ~10S particle that contains galectin-3 and U1 snRNP. We now describe a protocol to deplete nuclear extracts of U1 snRNP with concomitant loss of splicing activity. Splicing activity in the U1-depleted extract can be reconstituted by the galectin-3 - U1 snRNP particle trapped on agarose beads covalently coupled with anti-galectin-3 antibodies. The results indicate that the galectin-3 - U1 snRNP - pre-mRNA ternary complex is a functional E complex leading to intermediates and products of the splicing reaction and that galectin-3 enters the splicing pathway through its association with U1 snRNP. The scheme of using complexes affinity- or immuno-selected on beads to reconstitute splicing activity in extracts depleted of a specific splicing factor may be generally applicable to other systems.

This article describes the experimental procedures for (a) depletion of U1 snRNP from nuclear extracts, with concomitant loss of splicing activity; and (b) reconstitution of splicing activity in the U1-depleted extract by galectin-3 - U1 snRNP particles bound to beads covalently coupled with anti-galectin-3 antibodies.

Classic depletion-reconstitution experiments indicate that galectin-3 is a required splicing factor in nuclear extracts. The mechanism of incorporation of ...

Visualization and Analysis of mRNA Molecules Using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) method allows one to detect nucleic acids in the native cellular environment. Here we provide a protocol for using FISH to quantify the number of mRNAs in single yeast cells. Cells can be grown in any condition of interest and then fixed and made permeable. Subsequently, multiple single-stranded deoxyoligonucleotides conjugated to fluorescent dyes are used to label and visualize mRNAs. Diffraction-limited fluorescence from single mRNA molecules is quantified using a spot-detection algorithm to identify and count the number of mRNAs per cell. While the more standard quantification methods of northern blots, RT-PCR and gene expression microarrays provide information on average mRNAs in the bulk population, FISH facilitates both the counting and localization of these mRNAs in single cells at single-molecule resolution.

Visualization and Analysis of mRNA Molecules Using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

This protocol describes an experimental procedure for performing Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) for counting mRNAs in single cells at single-molecule resolution.

The Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) method allows one to detect nucleic acids in the native cellular environment. Here we provide a protocol for ...

Rapid Identification of Chemical Genetic Interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Determining the mode of action of bioactive chemicals is of interest to a broad range of academic, pharmaceutical, and industrial scientists. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or budding yeast, is a model eukaryote for which a complete collection of ~6,000 gene deletion mutants and hypomorphic essential gene mutants are commercially available. These collections of mutants can be used to systematically detect chemical-gene interactions, i.e. genes necessary to tolerate a chemical. This information, in turn, reports on the likely mode of action of the compound. Here we describe a protocol for the rapid identification of chemical-genetic interactions in budding yeast. We demonstrate the method using the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which has a well-defined mechanism of action. Our results show that the nuclear TRAMP RNA exosome and DNA repair enzymes are needed for proliferation in the presence of 5-FU, which is consistent with previous microarray based bar-coding chemical genetic approaches and the knowledge that 5-FU adversely affects both RNA and DNA metabolism. The required validation protocols of these high-throughput screens are also described.

Rapid Identification of Chemical Genetic Interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Here we present a cost-effective method for defining chemical-genetic interactions in budding yeast. The approach is built on fundamental techniques in yeast molecular biology and is well suited for the mechanistic interrogation of small to medium collections of chemicals and other media environments.

Determining the mode of action of bioactive chemicals is of interest to a broad range of academic, pharmaceutical, and industrial scientists. ...

Growth-based Determination and Biochemical Confirmation of Genetic Requirements for Protein Degradation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Regulated protein degradation is crucial for virtually every cellular function. Much of what is known about the molecular mechanisms and genetic requirements for eukaryotic protein degradation was initially established in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Classical analyses of protein degradation have relied on biochemical pulse-chase and cycloheximide-chase methodologies. While these techniques provide sensitive means for observing protein degradation, they are laborious, time-consuming, and low-throughput. These approaches are not amenable to rapid or large-scale screening for mutations that prevent protein degradation. Here, a yeast growth-based assay for the facile identification of genetic requirements for protein degradation is described. In this assay, a reporter enzyme required for growth under specific selective conditions is fused to an unstable protein. Cells lacking the endogenous reporter enzyme but expressing the fusion protein can grow under selective conditions only when the fusion protein is stabilized (i.e. when protein degradation is compromised). In the growth assay described here, serial dilutions of wild-type and mutant yeast cells harboring a plasmid encoding a fusion protein are spotted onto selective and non-selective medium. Growth under selective conditions is consistent with degradation impairment by a given mutation. Increased protein abundance should be biochemically confirmed. A method for the rapid extraction of yeast proteins in a form suitable for electrophoresis and western blotting is also demonstrated. A growth-based readout for protein stability, combined with a simple protocol for protein extraction for biochemical analysis, facilitates rapid identification of genetic requirements for protein degradation. These techniques can be adapted to monitor degradation of a variety of short-lived proteins. In the example presented, the His3 enzyme, which is required for histidine biosynthesis, was fused to Deg1-Sec62. Deg1-Sec62 is targeted for degradation after it aberrantly engages the endoplasmic reticulum translocon. Cells harboring Deg1-Sec62-His3 were able to grow under selective conditions when the protein was stabilized.

Growth-based Determination and Biochemical Confirmation of Genetic Requirements for Protein Degradation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

This article describes a yeast growth-based assay for the determination of genetic requirements for protein degradation. It also demonstrates a method for rapid extraction of yeast proteins, suitable for western blotting to biochemically confirm degradation requirements. These techniques can be adapted to monitor degradation of a variety of proteins.

Regulated protein degradation is crucial for virtually every cellular function. Much of what is known about the molecular mechanisms and genetic ...

Rapid In Vivo Fixation and Isolation of Translational Complexes from Eukaryotic Cells

Rapid responses involving fast redistribution of messenger(m)RNA and alterations of mRNA translation are pertinent to ongoing homeostatic adjustments of the cells. These adjustments are critical to eukaryotic cell survivability and &#39;damage control&#39; during fluctuating nutrient and salinity levels, temperature, and various chemical and radiation stresses. Due to the highly dynamic nature of the RNA-level responses, and the instability of many of the RNA:RNA and RNA:protein intermediates, obtaining a meaningful snapshot of the cytoplasmic RNA state is only possible with a limited number of methods. Transcriptome-wide, RNA-seq-based ribosome profiling-type experiments are among the most informative sources of data for the control of translation. However, absence of a uniform RNA and RNA:protein intermediate stabilization can lead to different biases, particularly in the fast-paced cellular response pathways. In this article, we provide a detailed protocol of rapid fixation applicable to eukaryotic cells of different permeability, to aid in RNA and RNA:protein intermediate stabilization. We further provide examples of isolation of the stabilized RNA:protein complexes based on their co-sedimentation with ribosomal and poly(ribo)somal fractions. The separated stabilized material can be subsequently used as part of ribosome profiling-type experiments, such as in Translation Complex Profile sequencing (TCP-seq) approach and its derivatives. Versatility of the TCP-seq-style methods has now been demonstrated by the applications in a variety of organisms and cell types. The stabilized complexes can also be additionally affinity-purified and imaged using electron microscopy, separated into different poly(ribo)somal fractions and subjected to RNA sequencing, owing to the ease of the crosslink reversal. Therefore, methods based on snap-chilling and formaldehyde fixation, followed by the sedimentation-based or other type of RNA:protein complex enrichment, can be of particular interest in investigating finer details of rapid RNA:protein complex dynamics in live cells.

Rapid In Vivo Fixation and Isolation of Translational Complexes from Eukaryotic Cells

We present a technique to rapidly stabilize translational (protein biosynthesis) complexes with formaldehyde crosslinking in live yeast and mammalian cells. The approach enables dissecting transient intermediates and dynamic RNA:protein interactions. The crosslinked complexes can be used in multiple downstream applications such as in deep sequencing-based profiling methods, microscopy, and mass-spectrometry.

Rapid responses involving fast redistribution of messenger(m)RNA and alterations of mRNA translation are pertinent to ongoing homeostatic adjustments of ...

Global Identification of Co-Translational Interaction Networks by Selective Ribosome Profiling

In recent years, it has become evident that ribosomes not only decode our mRNA but also guide the emergence of the polypeptide chain into the crowded cellular environment. Ribosomes provide the platform for spatially and kinetically controlled binding of membrane-targeting factors, modifying enzymes, and folding chaperones. Even the assembly into high-order oligomeric complexes, as well as protein-protein network formation steps, were recently discovered to be coordinated with synthesis.
Here, we describe Selective Ribosome Profiling, a method developed to capture co-translational interactions in vivo. We will detail the various affinity purification steps required for capturing ribosome-nascent-chain complexes together with co-translational interactors, as well as the mRNA extraction, size exclusion, reverse transcription, deep-sequencing, and big-data analysis steps, required to decipher co-translational interactions in near-codon resolution.

Co-translational interactions play a crucial role in nascent-chain modifications, targeting, folding, and assembly pathways. Here, we describe Selective Ribosome Profiling, a method for in vivo, direct analysis of these interactions in the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In recent years, it has become evident that ribosomes not only decode our mRNA but also guide the emergence of the polypeptide chain into the crowded ...

Utilization of Grafix for the Detection of Transient Interactors of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Spliceosome Subcomplexes

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