alpha-Factor-mediatd modification of a 32P-labeled protein by MATa cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Addition of the polypeptide mating pheromone alpha-factor to haploid MATa cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae results in the modification of a 32P-labeled protein (P17) with an apparent Mr of 17,000 to a form having an apparent Mr of 17,500 (P17). 32P associated with both P17 and P17 exhibits an unusually rapid rate of turnover. The conversion of P17 to P17 precedes the appearance of morphologically abnormal cells and, in contrast to other responses elicited by this pheromone, this change in apparent molecular weight does not require protein synthesis. Upon removal of alpha-factor, the P17/P17 ratio returns to pretreatment levels.