Functional Characterization of the <i>S. cerevisiae</i> Genome by Gene Deletion and Parallel Analysis

TLDR

The functions of many open reading frames (ORFs) identified in genome‑sequencing projects are unknown. New, whole‑genome approaches are required to systematically determine their function. The authors constructed 6,925 yeast strains, each with a precise deletion of one of 2,026 ORFs (over one‑third of the genome), and assayed the phenotypes of more than 500 deletion strains in parallel. Among the deleted ORFs, 17 % were essential for viability in rich medium, and 40 % exhibited quantitative growth defects in rich or minimal medium.

Abstract

The functions of many open reading frames (ORFs) identified in genome-sequencing projects are unknown. New, whole-genome approaches are required to systematically determine their function. A total of 6925 Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were constructed, by a high-throughput strategy, each with a precise deletion of one of 2026 ORFs (more than one-third of the ORFs in the genome). Of the deleted ORFs, 17 percent were essential for viability in rich medium. The phenotypes of more than 500 deletion strains were assayed in parallel. Of the deletion strains, 40 percent showed quantitative growth defects in either rich or minimal medium.