Transcription factor Rpn4 promotes a complex antistress response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells exposed to methyl methanesulfonate

Abstract

Methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) is an alkylating agent commonly used in models of genotoxic stress. It methylates bases in DNA, but also leads to oxidative stress. The transcription factor Rpn4 protects yeast cells from toxic effect of MMS. Although Rpn4 is a major regulator of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), a number of data points to its participation in the stress response regardless of the UPS. We have demonstrated that under the methyl methanesulfonate stress, Rpn4 promotes the regulation of several genes involved in DNA repair, antioxidant response, and glucose metabolism. We suggest a mechanism of complex action of Rpn4 in the stress response.