Actin-dependent localization of an RNA encoding a cell-fate determinant in the yeast

Peter A. Takizawa, Anita Sil, Jason R. Swedlow, Ira Herskowitz, Ronald D. Vale

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    322 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The cytoplasmic localization of messenger RNA creates an asymmetric distribution of proteins that specify cell fate during development in multicellular eukaryotes1,2. The protein Ash1 is a cell-fate determinant in budding yeast which localizes preferentially to the presumptive daughter nucleus, where it inhibits mating-type switching3,4. Here we show that Ash1 mRNA is localized to the distal tip of daughter buds in post-anaphase cells. Three-dimensional imaging reveals that Ash1 mRNA is assembled into particles that associate with the cell cortex. To achieve this localization, Ash1 mRNA must have its 3′ untranslated region and the actin cytoskeleton must be intact. Ash1 mRNA is not localized correctly in the absence of a myosin (Myo4) and is mislocalized to the mother-bud neck in the absence of a regulator of the actin cytoskeleton known as Bni1. We propose that Ash1 mRNA particles are transported into the daughter bud along actin filaments and are anchored at the distal tip. Thus, as in higher eukaryotes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae employs RNA localization to generate an asymmetric distribution of proteins and hence to determine cell fate.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)90-93
    Number of pages4
    JournalNature
    Volume389
    Issue number6646
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 4 Sept 1997

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General

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