YKU80 — Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288c

Summary

YMR106C (KU80) on Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome XIII encodes a subunit of the Ku70/Ku80 complex, a DNA-end-binding protein with ATP hydrolase, helicase, and damaged-DNA binding activities. The gene is associated with non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), telomere maintenance and silencing, DNA damage response, homologous recombination, viral transcription, chromosome positioning, class switching, V-J joining, intracellular sterol transport, S phase, and chromatin remodeling. It localizes to the Ku70:Ku80 complex, telomeric regions, nucleus, and cytosol. Phenotypic associations include decreased telomere length and silencing, increased mutation frequency, decreased replicative lifespan and stress resistance, increased heat sensitivity, and altered competitive fitness. The gene is also linked to seed germination and oxidative stress. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to DNA helicase activity (EC 3.6.4.12).