Cloning and characterization of the elongation factor EF‐1β homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract
A Saccharomyces cerevisiae cDNA homologue of the elongation factor EF‐1β 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‐1β. 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‐1β is essential for growth.