Nematode repetitive DNA with ARS and segregation function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

K. M. Felsenstein, S. W. Emmons

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Several members of a repetitive DNA family in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have been shown to express ARS and centromeric function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The repetitive family, denoted CeRep3, consists of dispersed repeated elements about 1 kilobase in length, present 50 to 100 times in the nematode genome. Three elements were sequenced and found to contain DNA sequences homologous to yeast ARS and CEN consensus sequences. Nematode DNA segments containing these repeats were tested for ARS and CEN (or SEG) function after ligation to shuttle vectors and introduction into yeast cells. Such nematode segments conferred ARS function to the plasmid, as judged by an increased frequency of transformation compared with control plasmids without ARS function. Some, but not all, also conferred to the plasmid increased mitotic stability, increased frequency of 2+:2- segregation in meiosis, and decreased plasmid copy number. These effects are similar to those of yeast centromeric DNA. In view of these results, we suggest that the CeRep3 repetitive family may have replication and centromeric functions in C. elegans.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)875-883
Number of pages9
JournalMolecular and cellular biology
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1988

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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