The essential gene YMR134W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is important for appropriate mitochondrial iron utilization and the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Issue 18 (23rd July 2013) - Moretti-Almeida, Gabriel
Abstract : A thermosensitive strain ( YMR134W ts ) of the essential gene YMR134W presented up to 40% less ergosterol, threefold lower oxygen consumption and impaired growth on respiratory conditions. The iron content in the mitochondrial fraction of YMR134W ts cells was considerably low, despite these cells uptake and accumulate more iron from the culture media than wild‐type cells. YMR134W ts cells were also more susceptible to oxidative stress. The results suggest that Ymr134wp is essential to aerobic growth due to its function in ergosterol biosynthesis, playing a role in maintaining mitochondrial and plasma membrane integrity and consequently impacting the iron homeostasis, respiratory metabolism and antioxidant response. Abstract : Ymr134wp, the product of the gene YMR134W, is essential for aerobic growth. Ymr134wp is part of the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway, interfering with iron homeostasis. Depletion of Ymr134wp also increases iron uptake and accumulation in the cytosol. Ymr134wp is important for proper mitochondrial iron homeostasis and antioxidant defense.