AFG1, a new member of the SEC18-NSF, PAS1, CDC48-VCP, TBP family of ATPases

The AAA+ superfamily: a review of the structural and mechanistic principles of these molecular machines

ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA+ proteins) are a superfamily of proteins found throughout all domains of life. The hallmark of this family is a conserved AAA+ domain responsible for a diverse range of cellular activities. Typically, AAA+ proteins transduce chemical energy from the hydrolysis of ATP into mechanical energy through conformational change, which can drive a variety of biological processes. AAA+ proteins operate in a variety of cellular contexts with diverse functions including disassembly of SNARE proteins, protein quality control, DNA replication, ribosome assembly, and viral replication. This breadth of function illustrates both the importance of AAA+ proteins in health and disease and emphasizes the importance of understanding conserved mechanisms of chemo-mechanical energy transduction. This review is divided into three major portions. First, the core AAA+ fold is presented. Next, the seven different clades of AAA+ proteins and structural details and reclassification pertaining to proteins in each clade are described. Finally, two well-known AAA+ proteins, NSF and its close relative p97, are reviewed in detail.

The AAA ATPase Afg1 preserves mitochondrial fidelity and cellular health by maintaining mitochondrial matrix proteostasis

Mitochondrial functions are critical for cellular physiology; therefore, several conserved mechanisms are in place to maintain the functional integrity of mitochondria. However, many of the molecular details and components involved in ensuring mitochondrial fidelity remain obscure. Here, we identify a novel role for the conserved mitochondrial AAA ATPase Afg1 in mediating mitochondrial protein homeostasis during aging and in response to various cellular challenges. Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells lacking functional Afg1 are hypersensitive to oxidative insults, unable to tolerate protein misfolding in the matrix compartment and exhibit progressive mitochondrial failure as they age. Loss of the Afg1 ortholog LACE-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans is associated with reduced lifespan, impeded oxidative stress tolerance, impaired mitochondrial proteostasis in the motor neuron circuitry and altered behavioral plasticity. Our results indicate that Afg1 is a novel protein quality control factor, which plays an important evolutionarily conserved role in mitochondrial surveillance, and cellular and organismal health.

LACE1 interacts with p53 and mediates its mitochondrial translocation and apoptosis

p53 is a major cellular tumor suppressor that in addition to its nuclear, transcription-dependent activity is also known to function extranuclearly. Cellular stressors such as reactive oxygen species can promote translocation of p53 into mitochondria where it acts to protect mitochondrial genome or trigger cell death via transcription-independent manner. Here we report that the mammalian homologue of yeast mitochondrial Afg1 ATPase (LACE1) promotes translocation of p53 into mitochondria. We further show that LACE1 exhibits significant pro-apoptotic activity, which is dependent on p53, and that the protein is required for normal mitochondrial respiratory function. LACE1 physically interacts with p53 and is necessary for mitomycin c-induced translocation of p53 into mitochondria. Conversely, increased expression of LACE1 partitions p53 to mitochondria, causes reduction in nuclear p53 content and induces apoptosis. Thus, LACE1 mediates mitochondrial translocation of p53 and its transcription-independent apoptosis.

Tissue- and Condition-Specific Isoforms of Mammalian Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunits: From Function to Human Disease

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is the terminal enzyme of the electron transport chain and catalyzes the transfer of electrons from cytochrome c to oxygen. COX consists of 14 subunits, three and eleven encoded, respectively, by the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Tissue- and condition-specific isoforms have only been reported for COX but not for the other oxidative phosphorylation complexes, suggesting a fundamental requirement to fine-tune and regulate the essentially irreversible reaction catalyzed by COX. This article briefly discusses the assembly of COX in mammals and then reviews the functions of the six nuclear-encoded COX subunits that are expressed as isoforms in specialized tissues including those of the liver, heart and skeletal muscle, lung, and testes: COX IV-1, COX IV-2, NDUFA4, NDUFA4L2, COX VIaL, COX VIaH, COX VIb-1, COX VIb-2, COX VIIaH, COX VIIaL, COX VIIaR, COX VIIIH/L, and COX VIII-3. We propose a model in which the isoforms mediate the interconnected regulation of COX by (1) adjusting basal enzyme activity to mitochondrial capacity of a given tissue; (2) allosteric regulation to adjust energy production to need; (3) altering proton pumping efficiency under certain conditions, contributing to thermogenesis; (4) providing a platform for tissue-specific signaling; (5) stabilizing the COX dimer; and (6) modulating supercomplex formation.

The mammalian homologue of yeast Afg1 ATPase (lactation elevated 1) mediates degradation of nuclear-encoded complex IV subunits

Mitochondrial protein homeostasis is crucial for cellular function and integrity and is therefore maintained by several classes of proteins possessing chaperone and/or proteolytic activities. In the present study, we focused on characterization of LACE1 (lactation elevated 1) function in mitochondrial protein homeostasis. LACE1 is the human homologue of yeast mitochondrial Afg1 (ATPase family gene 1) ATPase, a member of the SEC18-NSF, PAS1, CDC48-VCP, TBP family. Yeast Afg1 was shown to mediate degradation of mitochondrially encoded complex IV subunits, and, on the basis of its similarity to CDC48 (p97/VCP), it was suggested to facilitate extraction of polytopic membrane proteins. We show that LACE1, which is a mitochondrial integral membrane protein, exists as part of three complexes of approximately 140, 400 and 500 kDa and is essential for maintenance of fused mitochondrial reticulum and lamellar cristae morphology. We demonstrate that LACE1 mediates degradation of nuclear-encoded complex IV subunits COX4 (cytochrome c oxidase 4), COX5A and COX6A, and is required for normal activity of complexes III and IV of the respiratory chain. Using affinity purification of LACE1-FLAG expressed in a LACE1-knockdown background, we show that the protein interacts physically with COX4 and COX5A subunits of complex IV and with mitochondrial inner-membrane protease YME1L. Finally, we demonstrate by ectopic expression of both K142A Walker A and E214Q Walker B mutants, that an intact ATPase domain is essential for LACE1-mediated degradation of nuclear-encoded complex IV subunits. Thus the present study establishes LACE1 as a novel factor with a crucial role in mitochondrial protein homeostasis.

Mitochondrial protein quality control: the mechanisms guarding mitochondrial health

SIGNIFICANCE

Mitochondria are complex dynamic organelles pivotal for cellular physiology and human health. Failure to maintain mitochondrial health leads to numerous maladies that include late-onset neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, a decline in mitochondrial health is prevalent with aging. A set of evolutionary conserved mechanisms known as mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is involved in recognition and correction of the mitochondrial proteome.

RECENT ADVANCES

Here, we review current knowledge and latest developments in MQC. We particularly focus on the proteolytic aspect of MQC and its impact on health and aging.

CRITICAL ISSUES

While our knowledge about MQC is steadily growing, critical gaps remain in the mechanistic understanding of how MQC modules sense damage and preserve mitochondrial welfare, particularly in higher organisms.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Delineating how coordinated action of the MQC modules orchestrates physiological responses on both organellar and cellular levels will further elucidate the current picture of MQC's role and function in health, cellular stress, and degenerative diseases.

Arabidopsis ATPase family gene 1-like protein 1 is a calmodulin-binding AAA+-ATPase with a dual localization in chloroplasts and mitochondria

Members of the AAA(+)-ATPase superfamily (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) are found in all kingdoms of life and they are involved in very diverse cellular processes, including protein degradation, membrane fusion or cell division. The Arabidopsis genome encodes approximately 140 different proteins that are putative members of this superfamily, although the exact function of most of these proteins remains unknown. Using affinity chromatography on calmodulin-agarose with chloroplast proteins, we purified a 50 kDa protein encoded by AT4G30490 with similarity to the ATPase family gene 1 protein from yeast. Structural analysis showed that the protein possesses a single AAA-domain characteristic for members of the AAA(+)-ATPase superfamily and that this contains all features specific to proteins of the ATPase family gene 1-like subfamily. In vitro pull-down as well as cross-linking assays corroborate calcium-dependent binding of the protein to calmodulin. The calmodulin binding domain could be located to a region of 20 amino acids within the AAA-domain in close proximity to the Walker A motif. Our analysis further showed that the protein is localized in both mitochondria and chloroplasts, further supporting the incorporation of both endosymbiotic organelles into the calcium-signaling network of the cell. Localization of the same calmodulin-binding protein into mitochondria and chloroplasts could be a means to provide a coordinated regulation of processes in both organelles by calcium signals.

A systematic classification of Plasmodium falciparum P-loop NTPases: structural and functional correlation

Background

The P-loop NTPases constitute one of the largest groups of globular protein domains that play highly diverse functional roles in most of the organisms. Even with the availability of nearly 300 different Hidden Markov Models representing the P-loop NTPase superfamily, not many P-loop NTPases are known in Plasmodium falciparum. A number of characteristic attributes of the genome have resulted into the lack of knowledge about this functionally diverse, but important class of proteins.

Method

In the study, protein sequences with characteristic motifs of NTPase domain (Walker A and Walker B) are computationally extracted from the P. falciparum database. A detailed secondary structure analysis, functional classification, phylogenetic and orthology studies of the NTPase domain of repertoire of 97 P. falciparum P-loop NTPases is carried out.

Results

Based upon distinct sequence features and secondary structure profile of the P-loop domain of obtained sequences, a cladistic classification is also conceded: nucleotide kinases and GTPases, ABC and SMC family, SF1/2 helicases, AAA+ and AAA protein families. Attempts are made to identify any ortholog(s) for each of these proteins in other Plasmodium sp. as well as its vertebrate host, Homo sapiens. A number of P. falciparum P-loop NTPases that have no homologue in the host, as well as those annotated as hypothetical proteins and lack any characteristic functional domain are identified.

Conclusion

The study suggests a strong correlation between sequence and secondary structure profile of P-loop domains and functional roles of these proteins and thus provides an opportunity to speculate the role of many hypothetical proteins. The study provides a methodical framework for the characterization of biologically diverse NTPases in the P. falciparum genome.

The efforts made in the analysis are first of its kind; and the results augment to explore the functional role of many of these proteins from the parasite that could provide leads to identify novel drug targets against malaria.

Imaging-based live cell yeast screen identifies novel factors involved in peroxisome assembly

We describe an imaging-based method in intact cells to systematically screen yeast mutant libraries for abnormal morphology and distribution of fluorescently labeled subcellular structures. In this study, chromosomally expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the peroxisomal targeting sequence 1, consisting of serine-lysine-leucine, was introduced into 4740 viable yeast deletion mutants using a modified synthetic genetic array (SGA) technology. A benchtop robot was used to create ordered high-density arrays of GFP-expressing yeast mutants on solid media plates. Immobilized live yeast colonies were subjected to high-resolution, multidimensional confocal imaging. A software tool was designed for automated processing and quantitative analysis of acquired multichannel three-dimensional image data. The study resulted in the identification of two novel proteins, as well as of all previously known proteins required for import of proteins bearing peroxisomal targeting signal PTS1, into yeast peroxisomes. The modular method enables reliable microscopic analysis of live yeast mutant libraries in a universally applicable format on standard microscope slides, and provides a step toward fully automated high-resolution imaging of intact yeast cells.

The AAA+ superfamily of functionally diverse proteins

SUMMARY

The AAA+ superfamily is a large and functionally diverse superfamily of NTPases that are characterized by a conserved nucleotide-binding and catalytic module, the AAA+ module. Members are involved in an astonishing range of different cellular processes, attaining this functional diversity through additions of structural motifs and modifications to the core AAA+ module.

Evidence for a pro-oxidant intermediate in the assembly of cytochrome oxidase

The hydrogen peroxide sensitivity of cells lacking two proteins, Sco1 and Cox11, important in the assembly of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), is shown to arise from the transient accumulation of a pro-oxidant heme A-Cox1 stalled intermediate. The peroxide sensitivity of these cells is abrogated by a reduction in either Cox1 expression or heme A formation but exacerbated by either enhanced Cox1 expression or heme A production arising from overexpression of COX15. Sco1 and Cox11 are implicated in the formation of the Cu(A) and Cu(B) sites of CcO, respectively. The respective wild-type genes suppress the peroxide sensitivities of sco1Delta and cox11Delta cells, but no cross-complementation is seen with noncognate genes. Copper-binding mutant alleles of Sco1 and Cox11 that are nonfunctional in promoting the assembly of CcO are functional in suppressing the peroxide sensitivity of their respective null mutants. Likewise, human Sco1 that is nonfunctional in yeast CcO assembly is able to suppress the peroxide sensitivity of yeast sco1Delta cells. Thus, a disconnect exists between the respiratory capacity of cells and hydrogen peroxide sensitivity. Hydrogen peroxide sensitivity of sco1Delta and cox11Delta cells is abrogated by overexpression of a novel mitochondrial ATPase Afg1 that promotes the degradation of CcO mitochondrially encoded subunits. Studies on the hydrogen peroxide sensitivity in CcO assembly mutants reveal new aspects of the CcO assembly process.

Evolutionary relationships and structural mechanisms of AAA+ proteins

Complex cellular events commonly depend on the activity of molecular "machines" that efficiently couple enzymatic and regulatory functions within a multiprotein assembly. An essential and expanding subset of these assemblies comprises proteins of the ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA+) family. The defining feature of AAA+ proteins is a structurally conserved ATP-binding module that oligomerizes into active arrays. ATP binding and hydrolysis events at the interface of neighboring subunits drive conformational changes within the AAA+ assembly that direct translocation or remodeling of target substrates. In this review, we describe the critical features of the AAA+ domain, summarize our current knowledge of how this versatile element is incorporated into larger assemblies, and discuss specific adaptations of the AAA+ fold that allow complex molecular manipulations to be carried out for a highly diverse set of macromolecular targets.

Evolutionary history and higher order classification of AAA+ ATPases

The AAA+ ATPases are enzymes containing a P-loop NTPase domain, and function as molecular chaperones, ATPase subunits of proteases, helicases or nucleic-acid-stimulated ATPases. All available sequences and structures of AAA+ protein domains were compared with the aim of identifying the definitive sequence and structure features of these domains and inferring the principal events in their evolution. An evolutionary classification of the AAA+ class was developed using standard phylogenetic methods, analysis of shared sequence and structural signatures, and similarity-based clustering. This analysis resulted in the identification of 26 major families within the AAA+ ATPase class. We also describe the position of the AAA+ ATPases with respect to the RecA/F1, helicase superfamilies I/II, PilT, and ABC classes of P-loop NTPases. The AAA+ class appears to have undergone an early radiation into the clamp-loader, DnaA/Orc/Cdc6, classic AAA, and "pre-sensor 1 beta-hairpin" (PS1BH) clades. Within the PS1BH clade, chelatases, MoxR, YifB, McrB, Dynein-midasin, NtrC, and MCMs form a monophyletic assembly defined by a distinct insert in helix-2 of the conserved ATPase core, and additional helical segment between the core ATPase domain and the C-terminal alpha-helical bundle. At least 6 distinct AAA+ proteins, which represent the different major clades, are traceable to the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) of extant cellular life. Additionally, superfamily III helicases, which belong to the PS1BH assemblage, were probably present at this stage in virus-like "selfish" replicons. The next major radiation, at the base of the two prokaryotic kingdoms, bacteria and archaea, gave rise to several distinct chaperones, ATPase subunits of proteases, DNA helicases, and transcription factors. The third major radiation, at the outset of eukaryotic evolution, contributed to the origin of several eukaryote-specific adaptations related to nuclear and cytoskeletal functions. The new relationships and previously undetected domains reported here might provide new leads for investigating the biology of AAA+ ATPases.

The proteome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria

We performed a comprehensive approach to determine the proteome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria. The proteins of highly pure yeast mitochondria were separated by several independent methods and analyzed by tandem MS. From >20 million MS spectra, 750 different proteins were identified, indicating an involvement of mitochondria in numerous cellular processes. All known components of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the stable mitochondria-encoded proteins were found. Based on the mitochondrial proteins described in the literature so far, we calculate that the identified proteins represent approximately 90% of all mitochondrial proteins. The function of a quarter of the identified proteins is unknown. The mitochondrial proteome will provide an important database for the analysis of new mitochondrial and mitochondria-associated functions and the characterization of mitochondrial diseases.

Sequence analysis of the AAA protein family

The AAA protein family, a recently recognized group of Walker-type ATPases, has been subjected to an extensive sequence analysis. Multiple sequence alignments revealed the existence of a region of sequence similarity, the so-called AAA cassette. The borders of this cassette were localized and within it, three boxes of a high degree of conservation were identified. Two of these boxes could be assigned to substantial parts of the ATP binding site (namely, to Walker motifs A and B); the third may be a portion of the catalytic center. Phylogenetic trees were calculated to obtain insights into the evolutionary history of the family. Subfamilies with varying degrees of intra-relatedness could be discriminated; these relationships are also supported by analysis of sequences outside the canonical AAA boxes: within the cassette are regions that are strongly conserved within each subfamily, whereas little or even no similarity between different subfamilies can be observed. These regions are well suited to define fingerprints for subfamilies. A secondary structure prediction utilizing all available sequence information was performed and the result was fitted to the general 3D structure of a Walker A/GTPase. The agreement was unexpectedly high and strongly supports the conclusion that the AAA family belongs to the Walker superfamily of A/GTPases.

Cloning and characterization of the Alcaligenes eutrophus 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex

Nucleotide sequence analysis of a 3.3-kb genomic EcoRI fragment and of relevant subfragments of a genomic 13.2-kb SmaI fragment of Alcaligenes eutrophus, which were identified by using a dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase-specific DNA probe, revealed the structural genes of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex in a 7.5-kb genomic region. The genes odhA (2850 bp), odhB (1248 bp), and odhL (1422 bp), encoding 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (E1), dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase (E2), and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3), respectively, occur co-linearly in one gene cluster downstream of a putative -35/-10 promoter in the order odhA, odhB, and odhL. In comparison to other bacteria, the occurrence of genes for two E3 components for the pyruvate as well as for the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes is unique. Heterologous expression of the A. eutrophus odh genes in E. coli XL1-Blue and in the kgdA mutant Pseudomonas putida JS347 was demonstrated by the occurrence of protein bands in electropherograms, by spectrometric detection of enzyme activities, and by phenotypic complementation, respectively.

Growth and developmental functions of a human immunodeficiency virus Tat-binding protein/26S protease subunit homolog from Dictyostelium discoideum

We have characterized a newly identified gene from Dictyostelium discoideum, DdTBP alpha, that encodes a member of the family of eukaryotic proteins. These proteins contain a conserved ATPase domain, include subunits of the 26S protease subunit, and are homologous to the mammalian human immunodeficiency virus Tat-binding protein TBP1. While information indicates that some family members are involved in the regulation of transcription in mammalian and yeast cells during growth, these proteins are also involved in other cellular functions, and nothing is known about their possible function in multicellular development. The Dictyostelium DdTBP alpha gene is developmentally regulated, with its expression at the highest levels occurring during growth and early development. The gene is present in two copies in the genome. Disruption of one copy by homologous recombination leads to aberrant morphogenesis, which lasts from the formation of the first finger until the onset of culmination. The gene appears to be essential for growth since we were unable to obtain a complete null phenotype and since expression of an inducible antisense construct in the partial null background resulted in cell death. Expression of the antisense construct during development accentuated the partial null phenotype and also resulted in very abnormal fruiting bodies. Overexpression of DdTBP alpha from its own promoter leads to very large multinucleated vegetative cells when the cells are grown in suspension culture. When the cells are plated onto petri dishes in growth medium, they rapidly split into multiple cells containing one to two nuclei, in a manner similar to that of wild-type cells. Overexpressing cells are significantly delayed in forming a multicellular aggregate, but development proceeds normally once the first finger stage is reached. The results indicate that DdTBP alpha plays an important role in regulating both growth and morphogenesis in D. discoideum.

Sequence of the AFG3 gene encoding a new member of the FtsH/Yme1/Tma subfamily of the AAA-protein family

A nuclear gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cloned by genetic complementation of a temperature-sensitive respiratory-deficient mutant. DNA sequence analysis reveals that it encodes a protein with homology to Yme1, FtsH and Tma, proteins which belong to the AAA-protein family (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities). The members of this family are involved in very different biological processes. Yme1p, a yeast mitochondrial protein, affects the rate of DNA escape from mitochondria to the nucleus and the Escherichia coli FtsH protein is apparently involved in the post-translational processing of PBP3, a protein necessary for septation during cell division. This newly sequenced gene, which we have designated AFG3 for ATPase family gene 3, encodes a putative mitochondrial protein of 760 amino acid residues that is closely related to FtsH, Tma (protein from Lactococcus lactis) and Yme1p with 58, 55 and 46% identity respectively.

AFG2, an essential gene in yeast, encodes a new member of the Sec18p, Pas1p, Cdc48p, TBP-1 family of putative ATPases

A gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was sequenced that encodes a protein with homology to a family of putative ATPases. These homologous proteins include the yeast cell division cycle protein Cdc48p and its mammalian homologues VCP and p97; Sec18p and its mammalian homologue NSF, proteins necessary for fusion of transport vesicles to target membranes in the secretory pathway; Pas1p, a protein necessary for peroxisome biosynthesis in yeast; Yme1p, a yeast mitochondrial protein that influences the rate of DNA escape from mitochondria; and TBP-1, MSS1 and Sug1p, proteins that interact with transcription factors. This newly sequenced gene, named AFG2 for ATPase family gene, is located on chromosome XII 5' to the SLP1/VPS33 open reading frame and encodes an essential protein of 780 amino acids that is most homologous to Cdc48p.

Inactivation of YME1, a member of the ftsH-SEC18-PAS1-CDC48 family of putative ATPase-encoding genes, causes increased escape of DNA from mitochondria in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The yeast nuclear gene YME1 was one of six genes recently identified in a screen for mutations that elevate the rate at which DNA escapes from mitochondria and migrates to the nucleus. yme1 mutations, including a deletion, cause four known recessive phenotypes: an elevation in the rate at which copies of TRP1 and ARS1, integrated into the mitochondrial genome, escape to the nucleus; a heat-sensitive respiratory-growth defect; a cold-sensitive growth defect on rich glucose medium; and synthetic lethality in rho- (cytoplasmic petite) cells. The cloned YME1 gene complements all of these phenotypes. The gene product, Yme1p, is immunologically detectable as an 82-kDa protein present in mitochondria. Yme1p is a member of a family of homologous putative ATPases, including Sec18p, Pas1p, Cdc48p, TBP-1, and the FtsH protein. Yme1p is most similar to the Escherichia coli FtsH protein, an essential protein involved in septum formation during cell division. This observation suggests the hypothesis that Yme1p may play a role in mitochondrial fusion and/or division.

Inactivation of YME1, a member of the ftsH-SEC18-PAS1-CDC48 family of putative ATPase-encoding genes, causes increased escape of DNA from mitochondria in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The yeast nuclear gene YME1 was one of six genes recently identified in a screen for mutations that elevate the rate at which DNA escapes from mitochondria and migrates to the nucleus. yme1 mutations, including a deletion, cause four known recessive phenotypes: an elevation in the rate at which copies of TRP1 and ARS1, integrated into the mitochondrial genome, escape to the nucleus; a heat-sensitive respiratory-growth defect; a cold-sensitive growth defect on rich glucose medium; and synthetic lethality in rho- (cytoplasmic petite) cells. The cloned YME1 gene complements all of these phenotypes. The gene product, Yme1p, is immunologically detectable as an 82-kDa protein present in mitochondria. Yme1p is a member of a family of homologous putative ATPases, including Sec18p, Pas1p, Cdc48p, TBP-1, and the FtsH protein. Yme1p is most similar to the Escherichia coli FtsH protein, an essential protein involved in septum formation during cell division. This observation suggests the hypothesis that Yme1p may play a role in mitochondrial fusion and/or division.

Two complementary approaches to study peroxisome biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: forward and reversed genetics

In order to investigate the mechanisms of peroxisome biogenesis and to identify components of the peroxisomal import machinery we studied these processes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The forward genetic approach has led to pas-mutants (peroxisomal assembly) which fall into 12 complementation groups and allowed to identify 10 of the corresponding wild-type PAS genes (PAS 1-7, 9, 11 and 12). Recent sequence analysis data of some of these genes are beginning to provide first hints as to the possible function of their gene products. The PAS genes and their corresponding mutants are presently used to address some important questions of peroxisomal biogenesis. Reversed genetics has been started as a complementary approach to characterize especially the function of peroxisomal membrane proteins. For this purpose we describe a technique to isolate highly purified peroxisomes. This led to the identification of 21 polypeptides as constituents of this organelle. Some of them are presently sequenced.