Nps1/Sth1p, a component of an essential chromatin-remodeling complex of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is required for the maximal expression of early meiotic genes

Background: The NPS1/STH1 gene of Saccharomyces cevevisiae is essential for mitotic growth, especially for the progression through the G2/M phase. It encodes a major component of the chromatin-remodelling complex, RSC, of unknown function. We attempted to address the function of NPS1 in meiosis. Results: The homozygote of the temperature sensitive nps1 mutant, nys1-105, showed reduced and delayed levels of sporulation, accompanied with a notable decrease and delay of the expression of several early meiotic genes (IME2, SPO11 and SPO13), Deletion analysis of the IME2 promoter revealed that the defect in the gene expression occurred through the URS1 site. The sporulation defect of nys1-105 was alleviated by the overexpression of either IME1 or IME2. However, over-expression of IME1 did not permit the full expression of IME2, SPO11 and SPO13 in nps1-105. In addition, the expression of NPS1 itself increased transiently upon initiation of meiosis, before the appearance of the IME2 message but after that of IME1, The impaired increase in NPS1 transcription led to inefficient sporulation, Conclusion: The results suggest that Nps1p/RSC is required for the activation of gene expression at the initiation of meiosis.