Forkhead-like transcription factors recruit Ndd1 to the chromatin of G2/M-specific promoters

Many cell-cycle-specific events are supported by stage-specific gene expres sion. In budding yeast, at least three different nuclear factors seem to co operate in the periodic activation of G2/M-specific genes(1-3). Here we sho w, by using chromatin immunoprecipitation polymerase chain reaction assays, that a positive regulator, Ndd1, becomes associated with G2/M promoter reg ions in manner that depends on the stage in cell cycle. Its recruitment dep ends on a permanent protein-DNA complex consisting of the MADS box protein, Mcm1, and a recently identified partner Fkh2, a forkhead/winged helix rela ted transcription factor(4,5). The lethality of Ndd1 depletion is suppresse d by fkh2 null mutations, which indicates that Fkh2 may also have a negativ e regulatory role in the transcription of G2/M-induced RNAs. We conclude th at Ndd1-Fkh2 interactions may be the transcriptionally important process ta rgeted by Cdk activity.