Assessing the functional multiplicity of prion-based epigenetic inheritance in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and elucidating the impact of prions on the biology and the evolution of yeast

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Simon Alberti, from 7/2004 until 6/2005
• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: from 2005 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 19964925

The yeast Sup35 prion is an intensely investigated paradigm of an amyloidogenic protein that is capable of transmitting diverse phenotypic traits via self-perpetuating conformational changes in protein structure. Switching of the translation termination factor Sup35 to the prion state provides a molecular mechanism to uncover cryptic genetic variation and may therefore facilitate the survival of yeast cells in fluctuating environments. However, despite the identification of three additional yeast prions it is currently an unresolved question whether prions are commonly harnessed during evolution to confer selective advantages. Bioinformatics screens of the yeast genome indicate that there are many more proteins with prion-related characteristics. Analyzing their functions will generate a far more comprehensive picture of the functional diversity and the biological significance of prion-based phenomena. The central aim of the project is to exploit computational approaches for the identification of an extensive set of novel yeast prions. The functional characterization of new yeast prions will provide valuable insights into their possible function as phenotypic modulators. Moreover, analysis of the interplay between novel prion determinants and diverse environmental conditions will help to evaluate the impact of prions on the survival of yeast cells in fluctuating environments.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professorin Dr. Susan L. Lindquist (†)