A two-step method for the introduction of single or multiple defined point mutations into the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Alexander Toulmay, Roger Schneiter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

The introduction of defined mutations into open reading frames (ORF) or non-translated regions of the genome is important to study of the structure-function relationship of amino acid residues in proteins or that of sequence motifs at the genome level. We describe a simple two-step method for the introduction of defined single or multiple point mutations into the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This method circumvents the need for plasmid-based mutagenesis and thus ensures homogenous expression of the gene of interest within the cell population. It is based on the introduction of a selectable marker downstream of the gene of interest. This marker is then amplified with a gene-specific primer that harbours the desired point mutation, creating a selectable marker-tagged mutant version of the gene of interest. The mutant fragment is then integrated into the genome of a wild-type strain through homologous recombination. Successive rounds of amplification of the mutant loci with primers that introduce additional point mutations upstream of existing mutations will generate multiple defined mutations within a single gene. As a proof of principle, we have employed this method to generate a temperature-sensitive mutant version of the plasma membrane ATPase, pma1-7, which bears two point mutations (Pro434Ala and Gly789Ser). Phenotypic analysis of a pma1-7 haploid strain indicates that this allele has the same characteristics as the original pma1-7 allele. It confers a temperature-sensitive growth phenotype and the newly synthesized Pma1-7 protein is unstable and rapidly degraded.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)825-831
Number of pages7
JournalYeast
Volume23
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Homologous recombination
  • PCR
  • Plasma membrane ATPase
  • Site-directed mutagenesis
  • Yeast

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Bioengineering
  • Biochemistry
  • Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
  • Genetics

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