RPD3 and UME6 are involved in the activation of PDR5 transcription and pleiotropic drug resistance in ρ0 cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

Background: In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the retrograde signalling pathway is activated in ρ0/− cells, which lack mitochondrial DNA. Within this pathway, the activation of the transcription factor Pdr3 induces transcription of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene, PDR5, and causes pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR). Although a histone deacetylase, Rpd3, is also required for cycloheximide resistance in ρ0/− cells, it is currently unknown whether Rpd3 and its DNA binding partners, Ume6 and Ash1, are involved in the activation of PDR5 transcription and PDR in ρ0/− cells. This study investigated the roles of RPD3, UME6, and ASH1 in the activation of PDR5 transcription and PDR by retrograde signalling in ρ0 cells. Results: ρ0 cells in the rpd3∆ and ume6∆ strains, with the exception of the ash1∆ strain, were sensitive to fluconazole and cycloheximide. The PDR5 mRNA levels in ρ0 cells of the rpd3∆ and ume6∆ strains were significantly reduced compared to the wild-type and ash1∆ strain. Transcriptional expression of PDR5 was reduced in cycloheximide-exposed and unexposed ρ0 cells of the ume6∆ strain; the transcriptional positive response of PDR5 to cycloheximide exposure was also impaired in this strain. Conclusions: RPD3 and UME6 are responsible for enhanced PDR5 mRNA levels and PDR by retrograde signalling in ρ0 cells of S. cerevisiae.