Sit4 is required for proper modulation of the biological functions mediated by Pkc1 and the cell integrity pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Maintenance of cellular integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is carried out by the activation of the protein kinase C-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (PKC1-MAPK) pathway. Here we report that correct down-regulation of both basal and induced activity of the PKC1-MAPK pathway requires the SIT4 function. Sit4 is a protein phosphatase also required for a proper cell cycle progression. We present evidence demonstrating that the G1 to S delay in the cell cycle, which occurs as a consequence of the absence of Sit4, is mediated by up-regulation of Pkc1 activity. Sit4 operates downstream of the plasma membrane sensors Mid2, Wsc1, and Wsc2 and upstream of Pkc1. Sit4 affects all known biological functions involving Pkc1, namely Mpk1 activity and cell wall integrity, actin cytoskeleton organization, and ribosomal gene transcription.