Investigating the Contribution of YPR089W, a Gene of Unknown Function, to Translation Initiation in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Abstract

Gene expression is tightly regulated, with translation initiation being a key area of regulation.There is evidence that lithium chloride targets translation initiation of mRNAs with structured 5'UTRs, but its mechanism remains unclear. The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, exhibits LiCl sensitivity when grown on galactose media. This is due to reduced translation of a phosphoglucomutase required for galactose metabolism, Pgm2, which has a structured region in its 5' UTR. LiCl sensitivity is enhanced upon deletion of TIF2, the gene encoding major DEADbox helicase eIF4A, and TIF2 overexpression reverses sensitivity. Previously, several other genes have been implicated in LiCl sensitivity and translation of mRNAs with structured 5' UTRs. In this thesis, we aim to provide insight into the function of YPR089W, a gene with no known function, in the translation of mRNAs with structured 5' UTRs. Our findings suggest a role in translation initiation of such mRNAs for YPR089W.