ISSN:
1432-0983
Keywords:
Key words F1-ATPase
;
ɛ-Subunit
;
ρo-lethality
;
Kluyveromyces lactis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The mitochondrial F1-ATPase is a multimeric enzyme, comprised of 3α, 3β, γ, δ and ɛ subunits, that is primarily responsible for the synthesis of ATP in eukaryotic cells. Recent work has shown that the F1 complex of the petite-negative yeast Kluyveromyces lactis, with specific mutations in the α, β or γ subunits, has a novel function that suppresses lethality caused by loss of mtDNA. Previously, genes for the four largest subunits of K. lactis F1 have been identified and characterised. In this study the gene coding for the ɛ-subunit of F1, KlATPɛ, has been isolated and found to encode a polypeptide of 61 amino acids with only 32 residues identical to those in the protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Strains carrying a null mutation of KlATPɛ are respiratory deficient while the introduction of ATPɛ from S. cerevisiae restores growth on non-fermentable carbon sources. In contrast to S. cerevisiae, K. lactis disrupted in ATPɛ does not have a detectable F1-related mitochondrial ATP hydrolysis activity, suggesting that the ɛ-subunit plays a critical role in the formation of the catalytic sector of F1. With a disrupted KlATPɛ, the ρo-lethality suppressor function of F1 carrying the atp2-1 and atp1-6 alleles is abolished. However, inactivation of the ɛ subunit does not eliminate the ρo-viable phenotype of the atp1-1, atp2-9, atp3-2 mutants. It is suggested that the absence of ɛ may effect the assembly or stability of F1 in the wild-type, atp 2-1 and atp1-6 strains, whereas the defect can be suppressed by the atp1-1, atp2-9 and atp3-2 mutations in the α, β and γ subunits respectively.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002940000127
Permalink
