RPD3 and UME6 are involved in the activation of PDR5 transcription and pleiotropic drug resistance in ρ(0) cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

BACKGROUND: In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the retrograde signalling pathway is activated in ρ(0/−) cells, which lack mitochondrial DNA. Within this pathway, the activation of the transcription factor Pdr3 induces transcription of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene, PDR5, and causes pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR). Although a histone deacetylase, Rpd3, is also required for cycloheximide resistance in ρ(0/−) cells, it is currently unknown whether Rpd3 and its DNA binding partners, Ume6 and Ash1, are involved in the activation of PDR5 transcription and PDR in ρ(0/−) cells. This study investigated the roles of RPD3, UME6, and ASH1 in the activation of PDR5 transcription and PDR by retrograde signalling in ρ(0) cells. RESULTS: ρ(0) cells in the rpd3∆ and ume6∆ strains, with the exception of the ash1∆ strain, were sensitive to fluconazole and cycloheximide. The PDR5 mRNA levels in ρ(0) cells of the rpd3∆ and ume6∆ strains were significantly reduced compared to the wild-type and ash1∆ strain. Transcriptional expression of PDR5 was reduced in cycloheximide-exposed and unexposed ρ(0) cells of the ume6∆ strain; the transcriptional positive response of PDR5 to cycloheximide exposure was also impaired in this strain. CONCLUSIONS: RPD3 and UME6 are responsible for enhanced PDR5 mRNA levels and PDR by retrograde signalling in ρ(0) cells of S. cerevisiae. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-021-02373-1.