Phosphorylation of Sic1p by G_1 Cdk Required for Its Degradation and Entry into S Phase

Abstract

G_1 cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk)–triggered degradation of the S-phase Cdk inhibitor Sic1p has been implicated in the transition from G_1 to S phase in the cell cycle of budding yeast. A multidimensional electrospray mass spectrometry technique was used to map G_1 Cdk phosphorylation sites in Sic1p both in vitro and in vivo. A Sic1p mutant lacking three Cdk phosphorylation sites did not serve as a substrate for Cdc34p-dependent ubiquitination in vitro, was stable in vivo, and blocked DNA replication. Moreover, purified phosphoSic1p was ubiquitinated in cyclin-depleted G_1 extract, indicating that a primary function of G_1 cyclins is to tag Sic1p for destruction. These data suggest a molecular model of how phosphorylation and proteolysis cooperate to bring about the G_1/S transition in budding yeast.