Identification of Checkpoint Genes Involved in the kar3 Cell Cycle Arrest.

摘要

KAR3 encodes a kinesin-like motor protein that has a wide variety of roles in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetic bypass studies and a mutant hunt are being done to discern the nature of the kar3 meiotic arrest and to find genes involved in the checkpoint function that mediates the arrest. Checkpoints are important regulatory mechanisms used by cells to prevent aberrant cell cycle divisions such as those observed in cancerous * cancerous cells. In addition Kar3p functions are thought to be mediated by interaction with a number of kinesin associated proteins (KAPs) including Cik1p and Vik1p. We have explored the roles of these KAPs in mejosis. Cik1p is essential for meiosis, while Vik1p has a very minor role. These data are consistent with Cik1p and Kar3p acting together to perform the essential role of Kar3p in meiosis. We have also localized Kar3p, Cik1p,and Vik1p during meiosis.