Detection system− and strain−dependent diversity of de novo [PSI+] prion generation and phenotypes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Yeast prion [PSI+], an amyloid form of the translation termination factor Sup35p/eRF3, causes translational stop codon readthrough by sequestering functional Sup35p. This unique phenotype may be analyzed via [PSI+]-suppressible nonsense alleles, and has greatly contributed to the advancement in yeast prion research. For comparing canonical reporters, like chromosomal ade1-14 or ade2-1, and plasmid-borne ura3-14, the de novo generation and characteristics of [PSI+] was investigated across common yeast laboratory strains (BY4741, 74D-694, and 779-6A). The results showed significant variability in [PSI+] induction frequency among strains. [PSI+] was successfully induced in BY4741 and frequently in 74D-694 (via Ade+ selection), but not in 779-6A. Notably, [PSI+] clones, even from identical genetic backgrounds, displayed vastly different nonsense suppression phenotypes depending on the reporter allele used; resulting in diverse growth patterns and suppression levels. Quantitative analyses revealed that prion seed counts fluctuated significantly based on the detection allele and observed phenotype. Furthermore, Sup35p aggregate visualization revealed distinct structural patterns between BY4741 and 74D-694, indicating strain-specific differences. Transferring [PIN+] prion variants from different strains into a common [psi-][pin-] background yielded similar [PSI+] inducibility and seed numbers, suggesting that the observed phenotypic and quantitative diversities of [PSI+] prions stem primarily from the interplay between the specific reporter detection system and the host strain's genetic background rather than solely from inherent differences in the initial [PIN+] prion or fundamental changes in the [PSI+] protein itself. This study underscores the crucial need to consider both the detection methodology and host genetic context for accurate prion variant characterization.