THE SXA2-DEPENDENT INACTIVATION OF THE P-FACTOR MATING PHEROMONE IN THE FISSION YEAST SCHIZOSACCHAROMYCES-POMBE

Haploid cells of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe exist in one of two mating types, referred to as M and P. Conjugation occurs be tween cells of opposite mating type and is controlled by the reciproca l action of diffusible pheromones. Loss of function of the sxa2 gene i n M cells causes hypersensitivity to the P-factor mating pheromone and a reduction in mating efficiency. Here we demonstrate the secretion o f an sxa2-dependent carboxypeptidase that inactivates P-factor by remo val of the C-terminal leucine residue.