Camlin, N. J. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2025

Specific auxin and medium combinations alter Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth

Auxin-inducible degradation is an increasingly popular protein-targeting reverse genetics approach. Use of this method has revolutionized the types of questions cell and molecular biologists can answer, however, a growing number of studies point to auxin alone impacting different cellular phenotypes. This study investigated the impact of different medium and auxin combinations on Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth. We observed that both natural and synthetic auxin (Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) respectively) impaired budding yeast growth in nutrient minimal but not nutrient rich media. This finding was true across different yeast strains with or without an intact auxin-inducible degradation system. Ultimately, this study highlights the need for proper controls when using auxin-inducible degradation.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

M-Phase oscillations in PP1 activity are essential for accurate progression through mammalian oocyte meiosis

Tightly controlled fluctuations in kinase and phosphatase activity play important roles in regulating M-Phase transitions. Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1) is one of these phosphatases, with oscillations in PP1 activity driving mitotic M-Phase. Evidence from a variety of experimental systems also points to roles in meiosis. Here we report that PP1 is important for M-Phase transitions through mouse oocyte meiosis. We employed a unique small-molecule approach to inhibit or activate PP1 at distinct phases of mouse oocyte meiosis. These studies show that temporal control of PP1 activity is essential for G2/M transition, metaphase I/anaphase I transition, and the formation of a normal metaphase II oocyte. Our data also reveal that inappropriate activation of PP1 is more deleterious at G2/M transition than at prometaphase I-to-metaphase I, and that an active pool of PP1 during prometaphase is vital for metaphase I/anaphase I transition and metaphase II chromosome alignment. Taken together, these results establish that loss of oscillations in PP1 activity causes a range of severe meiotic defects, pointing to essential roles for PP1 in female fertility, and more broadly, M-Phase regulation. Summary statementAltering the normal cyclical activity of the phosphatase PP1 in oocytes causes a range of severe meiotic defects, pointing to essential roles for PP1 in M-Phase entry, progression, and exit.

molecular biology↗