Molecular analysis of UFE1, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene essential for spore formation and vegetative growth

Abstract

 The UFE1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cloned, sequenced and characterized. The coding region of UFE1 is separated from the TMP1 gene on chromosome XV by 624 bp. Gene-disruption experiments demonstrated that UFE1 is essential for both the germination of ascospores and for vegetative growth. Translation of the UFE1 coding region generates a protein with significant similarity to cytokeratin and to the coiled-coil region of SED5, USO1 and restin, suggesting that it is involved in the secretory pathway and may also be related to intermediate filament-associated proteins.