Photoaffinity labeling of thiamin-binding component in yeast plasma membrane with [3H]4-azido-2-nitrobenzoylthiamin.

When prepared from Saccharomyces cerevisiae through an acid precipitation at pH 5.0 for a crude particulate fraction obtained by mechanical agitation of yeast protoplasts with glass beads, the plasma membranes have more remarkable binding quantities of [14C]thiamin (Kd, 51 nM; Bmax, 263 pmol per mg of protein) compared with our previously prepared membranes [(1986) Experientia 42, 607-608]. Photoaffinity labeling of these yeast plasma membranes with [3H]4-azido-2-nitrobenzoylthiamin resulted in the covalent modification of a membrane component with an apparent molecular mass of 6-8 kDa. The extent of its labeling was markedly decreased by previous addition of thiamin. This result suggests that the small membrane component (6-8 kDa) takes part in the thiamin binding of thiamin carrier protein(s) in yeast plasma membranes.