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. 1996 May;143(1):165–174. doi: 10.1093/genetics/143.1.165

The Rec1 Gene of Ustilago Maydis, Which Encodes a 3' -> 5' Exonuclease, Couples DNA Repair and Completion of DNA Synthesis to a Mitotic Checkpoint

K Onel 1, A Koff 1, R L Bennett 1, P Unrau 1, N K Holloman 1
PMCID: PMC1207251  PMID: 8722772

Abstract

Mutation in the REC1 gene of Ustilago maydis results in extreme sensitivity to killing by ultraviolet light. The lethality of the rec1-1 mutant was found to be partially suppressed if irradiated cells were held artificially in G2-phase by addition of a microtubule inhibitor. This mutant was also found to be sensitive to killing when DNA synthesis was inhibited by external means through addition of hydroxyurea or by genetic control in a temperature-sensitive mutant strain defective in DNA synthesis. Flow cytometric analysis of exponentially growing cultures indicated that wild-type cells accumulated in G2 after UV irradiation, while rec1-1 cells appeared to exit from G2 and accumulate in G1/S. Analysis of mRNA levels in synchronized cells indicated that the REC1 gene is periodically expressed with the cell cycle and reaches maximal levels at G1/S. The results are interpreted to mean that a G2-M checkpoint is disabled in the rec1-1 mutant. It is proposed that the REC1 gene product functions in a surveillance system operating during S-phase and G2 to find and repair stretches of DNA with compromised integrity and to communicate with the cell cycle apparatus.

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