Cohesin Irr1/Scc3 is likely to influence transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via interaction with Mediator complex.

The evolutionarily conserved proteins forming sister chromatid cohesion complex are also involved in the regulation of gene transcription. The participation of SA2p (mammalian ortholog of yeast Irr1p, associated with the core of the complex) in the regulation of transcription is already described. Here we analyzed microarray profiles of gene expression of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae irr1-1/IRR1 heterozygous diploid strain. We report that expression of 33 genes is affected by the presence of the mutated Irr1-1p and identify those genes. This supports the suggested role of Irr1p in the regulation of transcription. We also indicate that Irr1p may interact with elements of transcriptional coactivator Mediator.