Cloning and characterization of the elongation factor EF-1 beta homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. EF-1 beta is essential for growth.

A Saccharomyces cerevisiae cDNA homologue of the elongation factor EF-1 beta was found among the clones obtained by immunoscreening of a yeast cDNA expression library with an antibody against calmodulin affinity-purified proteins. The cDNA encoded a protein of 206 amino acids which was highly homologous (about 70% homology) with Artemia salina and human EF-1 beta. A protein with an apparent molecular mass of 33,000, significantly larger than that expected from the gene, was identified by Western blotting. Gene disruption experiments indicated that EF-1 beta is essential for growth.