Analysis of the yeastSPT3gene and identification of its product, a positive regulator of Ty trarscription

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Abstract
Previous work has demonstrated that the yeast SPT3 gene is required for transcription from δ sequences, the long terminal repeats that flank yeast Ty elements. In spt3 null mutants, transcription fails to initiate in δ sequences and instead intiates farther downstream. Null mutations in SPT3 cause other mutant phenotypes, including defects in sporulation and diploid formation. In this paper we report further genetic and physical characterization of the SPT3 gene and protein. By extensive linker insertion mutagenesis, we have delimited the region necessary for SPT3 function. From DNA sequence analysis, SPT3 encodes a protein of 337 amino acids. We have identified this protein an anti-SPT3 antibody. Finally, we show that overproduction of the SPT3 gene product does not alter the level of Ty transcription.