1
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Park JM, Forsburg SL. Analysis of transcriptional response in haploid and diploid Schizosaccharomyces pombe under genotoxic stress. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae177. [PMID: 39120426 PMCID: PMC11373635 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Whole genome duplications are implicated in genome instability and tumorigenesis. Human and yeast polyploids exhibit increased replication stress and chromosomal instability, both hallmarks of cancer. In this study, we investigate the transcriptional response of Schizosaccharomyces pombe to increased ploidy generally, and in response to treatment with the genotoxin methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). We find that treatment of MMS induces upregulation of genes involved in general response to genotoxins, in addition to cell cycle regulatory genes. Downregulated genes are enriched in transport and sexual reproductive pathways. We find that the diploid response to MMS is muted compared to the haploid response, although the enriched pathways remain largely the same. Overall, our data suggests that the global S. pombe transcriptome doubles in response to increased ploidy but undergoes modest transcriptional changes in both unperturbed and genotoxic stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Park
- Section of Molecular & Computational Biology, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, RRI 108, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Susan L Forsburg
- Section of Molecular & Computational Biology, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, RRI 108, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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2
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Acs-Szabo L, Papp LA, Miklos I. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of human diseases: the benefits of fission yeasts. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2024; 11:288-311. [PMID: 39104724 PMCID: PMC11299203 DOI: 10.15698/mic2024.08.833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The role of model organisms such as yeasts in life science research is crucial. Although the baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is the most popular model among yeasts, the contribution of the fission yeasts (Schizosaccharomyces) to life science is also indisputable. Since both types of yeasts share several thousands of common orthologous genes with humans, they provide a simple research platform to investigate many fundamental molecular mechanisms and functions, thereby contributing to the understanding of the background of human diseases. In this review, we would like to highlight the many advantages of fission yeasts over budding yeasts. The usefulness of fission yeasts in virus research is shown as an example, presenting the most important research results related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr protein. Besides, the potential role of fission yeasts in the study of prion biology is also discussed. Furthermore, we are keen to promote the uprising model yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, which is a dimorphic species in the fission yeast genus. We propose the hyphal growth of S. japonicus as an unusual opportunity as a model to study the invadopodia of human cancer cells since the two seemingly different cell types can be compared along fundamental features. Here we also collect the latest laboratory protocols and bioinformatics tools for the fission yeasts to highlight the many possibilities available to the research community. In addition, we present several limiting factors that everyone should be aware of when working with yeast models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lajos Acs-Szabo
- Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of DebrecenDebrecen, 4032Hungary
| | - Laszlo Attila Papp
- Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of DebrecenDebrecen, 4032Hungary
| | - Ida Miklos
- Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of DebrecenDebrecen, 4032Hungary
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3
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Cohen A, Lubenski L, Mouzon A, Kupiec M, Weisman R. TORC2 is required for the accumulation of γH2A in response to DNA damage. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107531. [PMID: 38971312 PMCID: PMC11321321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
TOR protein kinases serve as the catalytic subunit of the TORC1 and TORC2 complexes, which regulate cellular growth, proliferation, and survival. In the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, cells lacking TORC2 or its downstream kinase Gad8 (AKT or SGK1 in human cells) exhibit sensitivity to a wide range of stress conditions, including DNA damage stress. One of the first responses to DNA damage is the phosphorylation of C-terminal serine residues within histone H2AX in human cells (γH2AX), or histone H2A in yeast cells (γH2A). The kinases responsible for γH2A in S. pombe are the two DNA damage checkpoint kinases Rad3 and Tel1 (ATR and ATM, respectively, in human cells). Here we report that TORC2-Gad8 signaling is required for accumulation of γH2A in response to DNA damage and during quiescence. Using the TOR-specific inhibitor, Torin1, we demonstrate that the effect of TORC2 on γH2A in response to DNA damage is immediate, rather than adaptive. The lack of γH2A is restored by deletion mutations of transcription and chromatin modification factors, including loss of components of Paf1C, SAGA, Mediator, and the bromo-domain proteins Bdf1/Bdf2. Thus, we suggest that TORC2-Gad8 may affect the accumulation of γH2A by regulating chromatin structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adiel Cohen
- Department of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Israel, Ranana, Israel
| | - Lea Lubenski
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine & Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ava Mouzon
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine & Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Martin Kupiec
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine & Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronit Weisman
- Department of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Israel, Ranana, Israel.
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4
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Davidson MK, Protacio RU, Helmlinger D, Wahls WP. Laboratory horror stories: Poison in the agars. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.06.597796. [PMID: 38895319 PMCID: PMC11185651 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.06.597796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a single-celled eukaryote that can be cultured as a haploid or as a diploid. Scientists employ mating, meiosis, and the plating of ascospores and cells to generate strains with novel genotypes and to discover biological processes. Our two laboratories encountered independently sudden-onset, major impediments to such research. Spore suspensions and vegetative cells no longer plated effectively on minimal media. By systematically analyzing multiple different media components from multiple different suppliers, we identified the source of the problem. Specific lots of agar, from different suppliers, were toxic. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect was attenuated on rich media. Consequently, quality control checks that use only rich media can provide false assurances on the quality of the agar. Lastly, we describe likely sources of the toxicity and we provide specific guidance for quality control measures that should be applied by all vendors as preconditions for their sale of agar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari K. Davidson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street (slot 516), Little Rock, AR 72205-7199, USA
| | - Reine U. Protacio
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street (slot 516), Little Rock, AR 72205-7199, USA
| | - Dominique Helmlinger
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Wayne P. Wahls
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street (slot 516), Little Rock, AR 72205-7199, USA
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5
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Forsburg SL. The micromammals. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae073. [PMID: 38837137 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
In this editorial, Senior Editor Susan Forsburg examines the reasons to keep studying eukaryotic microbes like S. pombe and S. cerevisiae—and other yeasts, algae, amoeba, and fungi—even as genetic and genomic technologies now allow manipulation and study of practically any organism. She explores the challenges and opportunities of working in these tiny organisms, pointing to the substantial biology their study has uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Forsburg
- Program in Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2910, USA
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6
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Chen JJ, Moy C, Pagé V, Monnin C, El-Hajj ZW, Avizonis DZ, Reyes-Lamothe R, Tanny JC. The Rtf1/Prf1-dependent histone modification axis counteracts multi-drug resistance in fission yeast. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302494. [PMID: 38514187 PMCID: PMC10958104 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase II transcription elongation directs an intricate pattern of histone modifications. This pattern includes a regulatory cascade initiated by the elongation factor Rtf1, leading to monoubiquitylation of histone H2B, and subsequent methylation of histone H3 on lysine 4. Previous studies have defined the molecular basis for these regulatory relationships, but it remains unclear how they regulate gene expression. To address this question, we investigated a drug resistance phenotype that characterizes defects in this axis in the model eukaryote Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast). The mutations caused resistance to the ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor hydroxyurea (HU) that correlated with a reduced effect of HU on dNTP pools, reduced requirement for the S-phase checkpoint, and blunting of the transcriptional response to HU treatment. Mutations in the C-terminal repeat domain of the RNA polymerase II large subunit Rpb1 led to similar phenotypes. Moreover, all the HU-resistant mutants also exhibited resistance to several azole-class antifungal agents. Our results suggest a novel, shared gene regulatory function of the Rtf1-H2Bub1-H3K4me axis and the Rpb1 C-terminal repeat domain in controlling fungal drug tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Chen
- https://ror.org/01pxwe438 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Calvin Moy
- https://ror.org/01pxwe438 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Viviane Pagé
- https://ror.org/01pxwe438 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Cian Monnin
- https://ror.org/01pxwe438 Metabolomics Innovation Resource, Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ziad W El-Hajj
- https://ror.org/01pxwe438 Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Daina Z Avizonis
- https://ror.org/01pxwe438 Metabolomics Innovation Resource, Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Rodrigo Reyes-Lamothe
- https://ror.org/01pxwe438 Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jason C Tanny
- https://ror.org/01pxwe438 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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7
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Lofgren L, Nguyen NH, Kennedy P, Pérez-Pazos E, Fletcher J, Liao HL, Wang H, Zhang K, Ruytinx J, Smith AH, Ke YH, Cotter HVT, Engwall E, Hameed KM, Vilgalys R, Branco S. Suillus: an emerging model for the study of ectomycorrhizal ecology and evolution. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:1448-1475. [PMID: 38581203 PMCID: PMC11045321 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Research on mycorrhizal symbiosis has been slowed by a lack of established study systems. To address this challenge, we have been developing Suillus, a widespread ecologically and economically relevant fungal genus primarily associated with the plant family Pinaceae, into a model system for studying ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations. Over the last decade, we have compiled extensive genomic resources, culture libraries, a phenotype database, and protocols for manipulating Suillus fungi with and without their tree partners. Our efforts have already resulted in a large number of publicly available genomes, transcriptomes, and respective annotations, as well as advances in our understanding of mycorrhizal partner specificity and host communication, fungal and plant nutrition, environmental adaptation, soil nutrient cycling, interspecific competition, and biological invasions. Here, we highlight the most significant recent findings enabled by Suillus, present a suite of protocols for working with the genus, and discuss how Suillus is emerging as an important model to elucidate the ecology and evolution of ECM interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotus Lofgren
- Department of Biology, Duke University, 130 Science Dr., Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Nhu H. Nguyen
- Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Māno, 3190 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Peter Kennedy
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1475 Gortner Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 1475 Gortner Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Eduardo Pérez-Pazos
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 1475 Gortner Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Jessica Fletcher
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver 1151 Arapahoe St, SI 2071, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Hui-Ling Liao
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 155 Research Rd Quincy, FL 3235, USA
- Department of Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Florida, 1692 McCarty Dr, Room 2181, Building A, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Haihua Wang
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 155 Research Rd Quincy, FL 3235, USA
- Department of Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Florida, 1692 McCarty Dr, Room 2181, Building A, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kaile Zhang
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 155 Research Rd Quincy, FL 3235, USA
| | - Joske Ruytinx
- Research Group of Microbiology and Plant Genetics, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium, USA
| | - Alexander H. Smith
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver 1151 Arapahoe St, SI 2071, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Yi-Hong Ke
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - H. Van T. Cotter
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Herbarium, 120 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Eiona Engwall
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Khalid M. Hameed
- Department of Biology, Duke University, 130 Science Dr., Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Rytas Vilgalys
- Department of Biology, Duke University, 130 Science Dr., Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Sara Branco
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver 1151 Arapahoe St, SI 2071, Denver, CO 80204, USA
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8
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Álvarez-Herrera C, Maisanaba S, Llana Ruíz-Cabello M, Rojas R, Repetto G. A strategy for the investigation of toxic mechanisms and protection by efflux pumps using Schizosaccharomyces pombe strains: Application to rotenone. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171253. [PMID: 38408667 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Effects not related with the inhibition of complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain are studied in S. pombe, which lacks it. This study aims: First, the use of a strategy with S. pombe strains to investigate the toxicity, mechanisms of action, interactions and detoxication by efflux pumps. Second, to investigate the mechanisms of toxic action of rotenone. In the dose-response assessment, the yeast presented a good correlation with the toxicity in Daphnia magna for 15 chemicals. In the mechanistic study, the mph1Δ strain presented marked specificity to the interaction with microtubules by carbendazim. DNA damage caused by hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of deoxynucleotide synthesis, was identified with marked specificity with the rad3Δ strain. The sty1Δ strain was very sensitive to the oxidative and osmotic stress induced by hydrogen peroxide and potassium chloride, respectively, being more sensitive to oxidative stress than the pap1Δ strain. The protection by exclusion pumps was also evaluated. Rotenone presented low toxicity in S. pombe due to the lack of its main target, and the marked protection by the exclusion transporters Bfr1, Pmd1, Caf5 and Mfs1. Marked cellular stress was detected. Finally, the toxicity of rotenone could be potentiated by the fungicide carbendazim and the antimetabolite hydroxyurea. In conclusion, the use of S. pombe strains is a valid strategy to: a) assess global toxicity; b) investigate the main mechanisms of toxic action, particularly spindle and DNA interferences, and osmotic and oxidative stress not related to complex I inhibition; c) explore the detoxication by efflux pumps; and d) evaluate possible chemical interactions. Therefore, it should be useful for the investigation of adverse outcome pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Maisanaba
- Area of Toxicology, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
| | | | - Raquel Rojas
- Area of Toxicology, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Guillermo Repetto
- Area of Toxicology, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
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9
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Liu Q, Sheng N, Zhang Z, He C, Zhao Y, Sun H, Chen J, Yang X, Tang C. Initial nutrient condition determines the recovery speed of quiescent cells in fission yeast. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26558. [PMID: 38455543 PMCID: PMC10918017 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Most of microbe cells spend the majority of their times in quiescence due to unfavorable environmental conditions. The study of this dominant state is crucial for understanding the basic cell physiology. Retained recovery ability is a critical property of quiescent cells, which consists of two features: how long the cells can survive (the survivability) and how fast they can recover (the recovery activity). While the survivability has been extensively studied under the background of chronological aging, how the recovery activity depends on the quiescent time and what factors influence its dynamics have not been addressed quantitatively. In this work, we systematically quantified both the survivability and the recovery activity of long-lived quiescent fission yeast cells at the single cell level under various nutrient conditions. It provides the most profound evolutionary dynamics of quiescent cell regeneration ability described to date. We found that the single cell recovery time linearly increased with the starvation time before the survivability significantly declined. This linearity was robust under various nutrient conditions and the recovery speed was predetermined by the initial nutrient condition. Transcriptome profiling further revealed that quiescence states under different nutrient conditions evolve in a common trajectory but with different speed. Our results demonstrated that cellular quiescence has a continuous spectrum of depths and its physiology is greatly influenced by environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhiwen Zhang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chenjun He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Haoyuan Sun
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianguo Chen
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiaojing Yang
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chao Tang
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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10
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Saha S, Chatterjee P, Basu S, Nasipuri M. EPI-SF: essential protein identification in protein interaction networks using sequence features. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17010. [PMID: 38495766 PMCID: PMC10944162 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteins are considered indispensable for facilitating an organism's viability, reproductive capabilities, and other fundamental physiological functions. Conventional biological assays are characterized by prolonged duration, extensive labor requirements, and financial expenses in order to identify essential proteins. Therefore, it is widely accepted that employing computational methods is the most expeditious and effective approach to successfully discerning essential proteins. Despite being a popular choice in machine learning (ML) applications, the deep learning (DL) method is not suggested for this specific research work based on sequence features due to the restricted availability of high-quality training sets of positive and negative samples. However, some DL works on limited availability of data are also executed at recent times which will be our future scope of work. Conventional ML techniques are thus utilized in this work due to their superior performance compared to DL methodologies. In consideration of the aforementioned, a technique called EPI-SF is proposed here, which employs ML to identify essential proteins within the protein-protein interaction network (PPIN). The protein sequence is the primary determinant of protein structure and function. So, initially, relevant protein sequence features are extracted from the proteins within the PPIN. These features are subsequently utilized as input for various machine learning models, including XGB Boost Classifier, AdaBoost Classifier, logistic regression (LR), support vector classification (SVM), Decision Tree model (DT), Random Forest model (RF), and Naïve Bayes model (NB). The objective is to detect the essential proteins within the PPIN. The primary investigation conducted on yeast examined the performance of various ML models for yeast PPIN. Among these models, the RF model technique had the highest level of effectiveness, as indicated by its precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC values of 0.703, 0.720, 0.711, and 0.745, respectively. It is also found to be better in performance when compared to the other state-of-arts based on traditional centrality like betweenness centrality (BC), closeness centrality (CC), etc. and deep learning methods as well like DeepEP, as emphasized in the result section. As a result of its favorable performance, EPI-SF is later employed for the prediction of novel essential proteins inside the human PPIN. Due to the tendency of viruses to selectively target essential proteins involved in the transmission of diseases within human PPIN, investigations are conducted to assess the probable involvement of these proteins in COVID-19 and other related severe diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sovan Saha
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning), Techno Main Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Piyali Chatterjee
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Netaji Subhash Engineering College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhadip Basu
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Mita Nasipuri
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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11
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Brysch-Herzberg M, Jia GS, Sipiczki M, Seidel M, Zhang WC, Du LL. Reinstatement of the fission yeast species Schizosaccharomyces versatilis Wickerham et Duprat, a sibling species of Schizosaccharomyces japonicus. Yeast 2024; 41:108-127. [PMID: 38450805 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Schizosaccharomyces japonicus Yukawa et Maki (1931) and Schizosaccharomyces versatilis Wickerham et Duprat (1945) have been treated as varieties of S. japonicus or as conspecific, based on various approaches including mating trials and nDNA/nDNA optical reassociation studies. However, the type strains of S. japonicus and S. versatilis differ by five substitutions (99.15% identity) and one 1-bp indel in the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene, and 23 substitutions (96.3% identity) and 31-bp indels in the sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of rRNA, suggesting that they may not be conspecific. To reassess their taxonomic status, we conducted mating trials and whole-genome analyses. Mating trials using the type strains showed a strong but incomplete prezygotic sterility barrier, yielding interspecies mating products at two orders of magnitude lower efficiency than intraspecies matings. These mating products, which were exclusively allodiploid hybrids, were unable to undergo the haplontic life cycle of the parents. We generated chromosome-level gap-less genome assemblies for both type strains. Whole genome sequences yielded an average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 86.4%, indicating clear separation of S. japonicus and S. versatilis. Based on these findings, we propose the reinstatement of S. versatilis as a distinct species (holotype strain: CBS 103T and ex-types: NRRL Y-1026, NBRC 1607, ATCC 9987, PYCC 7100; Mycobank no.: 847838).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brysch-Herzberg
- Laboratory for Wine Microbiology, Department International Business, Heilbronn University, Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Guo-Song Jia
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Matthias Sipiczki
- Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Martin Seidel
- Laboratory for Wine Microbiology, Department International Business, Heilbronn University, Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Wen-Cai Zhang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Lin Du
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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12
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Hebra T, Smrčková H, Elkatmis B, Převorovský M, Pluskal T. POMBOX: A Fission Yeast Cloning Toolkit for Molecular and Synthetic Biology. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:558-567. [PMID: 37991801 PMCID: PMC10877588 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a popular model organism in molecular biology and cell physiology. With its ease of genetic manipulation and growth, supported by in-depth functional annotations in the PomBase database and genome-wide metabolic models,S. pombe is an attractive option for synthetic biology applications. However,S. pombe currently lacks modular tools for generating genetic circuits with more than 1 transcriptional unit. We developed a toolkit to address this gap. Adapted from the MoClo-YTK plasmid kit for Saccharomyces cerevisiae and using the same modular cloning grammar, our POMBOX toolkit is designed to facilitate fast, efficient, and modular construction of genetic circuits inS. pombe. It allows for interoperability when working with DNA sequences that are functional in bothS. cerevisiae and S. pombe (e.g., protein tags, antibiotic resistance cassettes, and coding sequences). Moreover, POMBOX enables the modular assembly of multigene pathways and increases the possible pathway length from 6 to 12 transcriptional units. We also adapted the stable integration vector homology arms to Golden Gate assembly and tested the genomic integration success rates depending on different sequence sizes, from 4 to 24 kb. We included 14 S. pombe promoters that we characterized using two fluorescent proteins, in both minimally defined (EMM2─Edinburgh minimal media) and complex (YES─yeast extract with supplements) media. Then, we examined the efficacy of 6 S. cerevisiae and 6 synthetic terminators in S. pombe. Finally, we used the POMBOX kit for a synthetic biology application in metabolic engineering and expressed plant enzymes in S. pombe to produce specialized metabolite precursors, namely, methylxanthine, amorpha-4,11-diene, and cinnamic acid from the purine, mevalonate, and aromatic amino acid pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Téo Hebra
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Smrčková
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Büsra Elkatmis
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Převorovský
- Department
of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles
University, 128 00 Prague, Czech
Republic
| | - Tomáš Pluskal
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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13
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Durant M, Mucelli X, Huang LS. Meiotic Cytokinesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Spores That Just Need Closure. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:132. [PMID: 38392804 PMCID: PMC10890087 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, sporulation occurs during starvation of a diploid cell and results in the formation of four haploid spores forming within the mother cell ascus. Meiosis divides the genetic material that is encapsulated by the prospore membrane that grows to surround the haploid nuclei; this membrane will eventually become the plasma membrane of the haploid spore. Cellularization of the spores occurs when the prospore membrane closes to capture the haploid nucleus along with some cytoplasmic material from the mother cell, and thus, closure of the prospore membrane is the meiotic cytokinetic event. This cytokinetic event involves the removal of the leading-edge protein complex, a complex of proteins that localizes to the leading edge of the growing prospore membrane. The development and closure of the prospore membrane must be coordinated with other meiotic exit events such as spindle disassembly. Timing of the closure of the prospore membrane depends on the meiotic exit pathway, which utilizes Cdc15, a Hippo-like kinase, and Sps1, an STE20 family GCKIII kinase, acting in parallel to the E3 ligase Ama1-APC/C. This review describes the sporulation process and focuses on the development of the prospore membrane and the regulation of prospore membrane closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Durant
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Xheni Mucelli
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Linda S Huang
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA
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14
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Cranz-Mileva S, Reilly E, Chalhoub N, Patel R, Atanassova T, Cao W, Ellison C, Zaratiegui M. Transposon Removal Reveals Their Adaptive Fitness Contribution. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae010. [PMID: 38245838 PMCID: PMC10836971 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements are molecular parasites that persist in their host genome by generating new copies to outpace natural selection. Transposable elements exert a large influence on host genome evolution, in some cases providing adaptive changes. Here we measure the fitness effect of the transposable element insertions in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe type strain by removing all insertions of its only native transposable element family, the long terminal repeat retrotransposon Tf2. We show that Tf2 elements provide a positive fitness contribution to its host. Tf2 ablation results in changes to the regulation of a mitochondrial gene and, consistently, the fitness effect are sensitive to growth conditions. We propose that Tf2 influences host fitness in a directed manner by dynamically rewiring the transcriptional response to metabolic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Cranz-Mileva
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Eve Reilly
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Noor Chalhoub
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Rohan Patel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Tania Atanassova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Weihuan Cao
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Christopher Ellison
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Mikel Zaratiegui
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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15
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Moe A, Dimogkioka AR, Rapaport D, Öjemyr LN, Brzezinski P. Structure and function of the S. pombe III-IV-cyt c supercomplex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307697120. [PMID: 37939086 PMCID: PMC10655221 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307697120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The respiratory chain in aerobic organisms is composed of a number of membrane-bound protein complexes that link electron transfer to proton translocation across the membrane. In mitochondria, the final electron acceptor, complex IV (CIV), receives electrons from dimeric complex III (CIII2), via a mobile electron carrier, cytochrome c. In the present study, we isolated the CIII2CIV supercomplex from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and determined its structure with bound cyt. c using single-particle electron cryomicroscopy. A respiratory supercomplex factor 2 was found to be bound at CIV distally positioned in the supercomplex. In addition to the redox-active metal sites, we found a metal ion, presumably Zn2+, coordinated in the CIII subunit Cor1, which is encoded by the same gene (qcr1) as the mitochondrial-processing peptidase subunit β. Our data show that the isolated CIII2CIV supercomplex displays proteolytic activity suggesting a dual role of CIII2 in S. pombe. As in the supercomplex from S. cerevisiae, subunit Cox5 of CIV faces towards one CIII monomer, but in S. pombe, the two complexes are rotated relative to each other by ~45°. This orientation yields equal distances between the cyt. c binding sites at CIV and at each of the two CIII monomers. The structure shows cyt. c bound at four positions, but only along one of the two symmetrical branches. Overall, this combined structural and functional study reveals the integration of peptidase activity with the CIII2 respiratory system and indicates a two-dimensional cyt. c diffusion mechanism within the CIII2-CIV supercomplex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Moe
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, StockholmSE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Anna-Roza Dimogkioka
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen72076, Germany
| | - Doron Rapaport
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen72076, Germany
| | - Linda Näsvik Öjemyr
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, StockholmSE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Peter Brzezinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, StockholmSE-106 91, Sweden
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16
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Lam UTF, Nguyen TTT, Raechell R, Yang J, Singer H, Chen ES. A Normalization Protocol Reduces Edge Effect in High-Throughput Analyses of Hydroxyurea Hypersensitivity in Fission Yeast. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2829. [PMID: 37893202 PMCID: PMC10604075 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Edge effect denotes better growth of microbial organisms situated at the edge of the solid agar media. Although the precise reason underlying edge effect is unresolved, it is generally attributed to greater nutrient availability with less competing neighbors at the edge. Nonetheless, edge effect constitutes an unavoidable confounding factor that results in misinterpretation of cell fitness, especially in high-throughput screening experiments widely employed for genome-wide investigation using microbial gene knockout or mutant libraries. Here, we visualize edge effect in high-throughput high-density pinning arrays and report a normalization approach based on colony growth rate to quantify drug (hydroxyurea)-hypersensitivity in fission yeast strains. This normalization procedure improved the accuracy of fitness measurement by compensating cell growth rate discrepancy at different locations on the plate and reducing false-positive and -negative frequencies. Our work thus provides a simple and coding-free solution for a struggling problem in robotics-based high-throughput screening experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulysses Tsz-Fung Lam
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore; (U.T.-F.L.); (T.T.T.N.); (R.R.)
| | - Thi Thuy Trang Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore; (U.T.-F.L.); (T.T.T.N.); (R.R.)
| | - Raechell Raechell
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore; (U.T.-F.L.); (T.T.T.N.); (R.R.)
| | - Jay Yang
- Singer Instruments, Roadwater, Watchet TA23 0RE, UK; (J.Y.); (H.S.)
| | - Harry Singer
- Singer Instruments, Roadwater, Watchet TA23 0RE, UK; (J.Y.); (H.S.)
| | - Ee Sin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore; (U.T.-F.L.); (T.T.T.N.); (R.R.)
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical & Technological Innovation (SynCTI), Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore 119228, Singapore
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17
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Sampath V, Sureshkumar S, Kim IH. The Efficacy of Yeast Supplementation on Monogastric Animal Performance-A Short Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2037. [PMID: 37895419 PMCID: PMC10608604 DOI: 10.3390/life13102037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to a continual growth in the world's population and the prohibition of antibiotics in animal production, the livestock industry faces significant challenges in the global demand for meat, eggs, and dairy products. The growing demand for organic products and the prohibition on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have compelled animal nutrition experts to search for natural substitutes that include medical plants and beneficial microorganisms. Natural feed additives like probiotics are found to be more effective than AGPs in reducing the load of harmful intestinal pathogens. One of the probiotics that has generated considerable interest since ancient times is yeast. Yeast is used as a supplement in animal feeds due to its relatively high protein, amino acid, energy, and micronutrient content. Yeast byproducts such as yeast cells and cell walls contain nutraceutical compounds (i.e., β-glucans, mannooligosaccharides, and nucleotides) and have been shown to improve animal growth performance and health. Though the application of yeast supplements has been reviewed to date, only a scarce amount of information exists on the yeast-derived products in non-ruminant nutrition. Additionally, it is difficult for nutritionists to differentiate the characteristics, composition, and optimal feeding among the diverse number of yeast-containing products. Due to the increasing popularity of using yeast-based products in animal feeds, the development of analytical approaches to estimate yeast and its components in these products is greatly needed. Thus, in this review, we intend to provide current knowledge of different categories of commercially available yeast and yeast-derived additives, along with their role in improving animal growth performance and health, their proposed mechanisms of action, and the challenges of quantifying yeast content and biologically active components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vetriselvi Sampath
- Department of Animal Resource and Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea; (V.S.); (S.S.)
- Smart Animal Bio Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Shanmugam Sureshkumar
- Department of Animal Resource and Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea; (V.S.); (S.S.)
- Smart Animal Bio Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea
| | - In Ho Kim
- Department of Animal Resource and Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea; (V.S.); (S.S.)
- Smart Animal Bio Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea
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18
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Rodríguez-López M, Bordin N, Lees J, Scholes H, Hassan S, Saintain Q, Kamrad S, Orengo C, Bähler J. Broad functional profiling of fission yeast proteins using phenomics and machine learning. eLife 2023; 12:RP88229. [PMID: 37787768 PMCID: PMC10547477 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many proteins remain poorly characterized even in well-studied organisms, presenting a bottleneck for research. We applied phenomics and machine-learning approaches with Schizosaccharomyces pombe for broad cues on protein functions. We assayed colony-growth phenotypes to measure the fitness of deletion mutants for 3509 non-essential genes in 131 conditions with different nutrients, drugs, and stresses. These analyses exposed phenotypes for 3492 mutants, including 124 mutants of 'priority unstudied' proteins conserved in humans, providing varied functional clues. For example, over 900 proteins were newly implicated in the resistance to oxidative stress. Phenotype-correlation networks suggested roles for poorly characterized proteins through 'guilt by association' with known proteins. For complementary functional insights, we predicted Gene Ontology (GO) terms using machine learning methods exploiting protein-network and protein-homology data (NET-FF). We obtained 56,594 high-scoring GO predictions, of which 22,060 also featured high information content. Our phenotype-correlation data and NET-FF predictions showed a strong concordance with existing PomBase GO annotations and protein networks, with integrated analyses revealing 1675 novel GO predictions for 783 genes, including 47 predictions for 23 priority unstudied proteins. Experimental validation identified new proteins involved in cellular aging, showing that these predictions and phenomics data provide a rich resource to uncover new protein functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Rodríguez-López
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Nicola Bordin
- University College London, Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jon Lees
- University College London, Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyLondonUnited Kingdom
- University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Harry Scholes
- University College London, Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Shaimaa Hassan
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
- Helwan University, Faculty of PharmacyCairoEgypt
| | - Quentin Saintain
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Stephan Kamrad
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Christine Orengo
- University College London, Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jürg Bähler
- University College London, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & EnvironmentLondonUnited Kingdom
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19
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Hwang GJH, Clyne RK. Long non-coding RNA and ribosomal protein genes in a yeast ageing model: an investigation for undergraduate research-based learning. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:893-901. [PMID: 37655454 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20230010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The unicellular yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe are widely used eukaryotic model organisms. Research exploiting the tractability of these model systems has contributed significantly to our understanding of a wide range of fundamental processes. In this article, we outline the features of yeast that have similarly been exploited for undergraduate research training. We selected examples from published literature that demonstrate the utility of the yeast system for research-based learning embedded in the curriculum. We further describe a project which we designed for the team-based final-year dissertation projects module on our transnational joint programme, which investigates whether the expression and functions of the budding yeast RPL36 ribosomal protein paralogs are influenced by the overlapping long non-coding RNA genes. Students carry out the experimental procedures in a 2-week timetabled teaching block and exercise widely applicable biochemical techniques, including aseptic yeast cell culture and sample collection, RNA isolation, qRT-PCR quantitation, protein extraction and Western blot analysis, and cell cycle progression patterns using light microscopy and flow cytometry. It is challenging to design training programmes for undergraduates that are meaningful as well as practical and economical, but it is possible to transform active research projects into authentic research experiences. We consider yeast to be an ideal model organism for such projects. These can be adapted to the constraints of course schedules and explore fundamental biochemical topics which are evolutionarily conserved from yeast to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwo-Jiunn H Hwang
- Nanchang University - Queen Mary University of London Joint Programme, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330036, China
| | - Rosemary K Clyne
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Nanchang University Joint Programme in Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, U.K
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20
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He J, Liu K, Wu Y, Zhao C, Yan S, Chen JH, Hu L, Wang D, Zheng F, Wei W, Xu C, Huang C, Liu X, Yao X, Ding L, Fang Z, Tang AH, Fu C. The AAA-ATPase Yta4/ATAD1 interacts with the mitochondrial divisome to inhibit mitochondrial fission. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002247. [PMID: 37590302 PMCID: PMC10465003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are in a constant balance of fusion and fission. Excessive fission or deficient fusion leads to mitochondrial fragmentation, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and physiological disorders. How the cell prevents excessive fission of mitochondria is not well understood. Here, we report that the fission yeast AAA-ATPase Yta4, which is the homolog of budding yeast Msp1 responsible for clearing mistargeted tail-anchored (TA) proteins on mitochondria, plays a critical role in preventing excessive mitochondrial fission. The absence of Yta4 leads to mild mitochondrial fragmentation in a Dnm1-dependent manner but severe mitochondrial fragmentation upon induction of mitochondrial depolarization. Overexpression of Yta4 delocalizes the receptor proteins of Dnm1, i.e., Fis1 (a TA protein) and Mdv1 (the bridging protein between Fis1 and Dnm1), from mitochondria and reduces the localization of Dnm1 to mitochondria. The effect of Yta4 overexpression on Fis1 and Mdv1, but not Dnm1, depends on the ATPase and translocase activities of Yta4. Moreover, Yta4 interacts with Dnm1, Mdv1, and Fis1. In addition, Yta4 competes with Dnm1 for binding Mdv1 and decreases the affinity of Dnm1 for GTP and inhibits Dnm1 assembly in vitro. These findings suggest a model, in which Yta4 inhibits mitochondrial fission by inhibiting the function of the mitochondrial divisome composed of Fis1, Mdv1, and Dnm1. Therefore, the present work reveals an uncharacterized molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition of mitochondrial fission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia He
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ke Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chenhui Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Shuaijie Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jia-Hui Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Lizhu Hu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Fan Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenfan Wei
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chao Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chengdong Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xing Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xuebiao Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lijun Ding
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyou Fang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Ai-Hui Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Chuanhai Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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21
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Brysch-Herzberg M, Jia GS, Sipiczki M, Seidel M, Li W, Assali I, Du LL. Schizosaccharomyces lindneri sp. nov., a fission yeast occurring in honey. Yeast 2023. [PMID: 37243506 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Two strains of fission yeast were isolated from honey. They differ from the type strain of Schizosaccharomyces octosporus by three substitutions in the D1/D2 domain of the nuclear 26S large subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence, resulting in a 99.5% identity. In the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (consisting of ITS1, 5.8S rDNA, and ITS2), the strains differ from S. octosporus by 16 gaps and 91 substitutions, which is equivalent to an identity of 88.1%. Genome sequencing on one of the new strains revealed that the average nucleotide identity (ANI) between its genome and the reference genome of S. octosporus is 90.43% and there exist major genome rearrangements between the two genomes. Mating analysis revealed that S. octosporus and one of the new strains are completely reproductively separated. A strong prezygotic barrier exists and the few mating products consist of diploid hybrids that do not form recombinant ascospores. In the new strains, asci are either zygotic, arising from conjugation, or they develop without conjugation from asexual cells (azygotic). Compared to the currently recognized Schizosaccharomyces species, the spectrum of nutrients that are assimilated by the new strains is restricted. Of the 43 carbohydrates that were included in the physiological standard tests, only 7 were assimilated. According to the results of the genome sequence analysis, the mating trials, and the phenotypic characterization, the new species Schizosaccharomyces lindneri is described to accommodate the two strains (holotype: CBS 18203T and ex-type: MUCL 58363; MycoBank no.: MB 847838).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brysch-Herzberg
- Laboratory for Wine Microbiology, Department International Business, Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Guo-Song Jia
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Matthias Sipiczki
- Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Martin Seidel
- Laboratory for Wine Microbiology, Department International Business, Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Wen Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Imen Assali
- Laboratory for Wine Microbiology, Department International Business, Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Li-Lin Du
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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22
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Cittadino GM, Andrews J, Purewal H, Estanislao Acuña Avila P, Arnone JT. Functional Clustering of Metabolically Related Genes Is Conserved across Dikarya. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050523. [PMID: 37233234 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation is vital for organismal survival, with many layers and mechanisms collaborating to balance gene expression. One layer of this regulation is genome organization, specifically the clustering of functionally related, co-expressed genes along the chromosomes. Spatial organization allows for position effects to stabilize RNA expression and balance transcription, which can be advantageous for a number of reasons, including reductions in stochastic influences between the gene products. The organization of co-regulated gene families into functional clusters occurs extensively in Ascomycota fungi. However, this is less characterized within the related Basidiomycota fungi despite the many uses and applications for the species within this clade. This review will provide insight into the prevalence, purpose, and significance of the clustering of functionally related genes across Dikarya, including foundational studies from Ascomycetes and the current state of our understanding throughout representative Basidiomycete species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Cittadino
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY 13214, USA
| | - Johnathan Andrews
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY 13214, USA
| | - Harpreet Purewal
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY 13214, USA
| | | | - James T Arnone
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY 13214, USA
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23
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Ishikawa K, Saitoh S. Transcriptional Regulation Technology for Gene Perturbation in Fission Yeast. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040716. [PMID: 37189462 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolation and introduction of genetic mutations is the primary approach to characterize gene functions in model yeasts. Although this approach has proven very powerful, it is not applicable to all genes in these organisms. For example, introducing defective mutations into essential genes causes lethality upon loss of function. To circumvent this difficulty, conditional and partial repression of target transcription is possible. While transcriptional regulation techniques, such as promoter replacement and 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) disruption, are available for yeast systems, CRISPR-Cas-based technologies have provided additional options. This review summarizes these gene perturbation technologies, including recent advances in methods based on CRISPR-Cas systems for Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We discuss how biological resources afforded by CRISPRi can promote fission yeast genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Ishikawa
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Life Science, Kurume University, Asahi-machi 67, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Saitoh
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Life Science, Kurume University, Asahi-machi 67, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
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24
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Jia GS, Zhang WC, Liang Y, Liu XH, Rhind N, Pidoux A, Brysch-Herzberg M, Du LL. A high-quality reference genome for the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces osmophilus. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad028. [PMID: 36748990 PMCID: PMC10085805 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fission yeasts are an ancient group of fungal species that diverged from each other from tens to hundreds of million years ago. Among them is the preeminent model organism Schizosaccharomyces pombe, which has significantly contributed to our understandings of molecular mechanisms underlying fundamental cellular processes. The availability of the genomes of S. pombe and 3 other fission yeast species S. japonicus, S. octosporus, and S. cryophilus has enabled cross-species comparisons that provide insights into the evolution of genes, pathways, and genomes. Here, we performed genome sequencing on the type strain of the recently identified fission yeast species S. osmophilus and obtained a complete mitochondrial genome and a nuclear genome assembly with gaps only at rRNA gene arrays. A total of 5,098 protein-coding nuclear genes were annotated and orthologs for more than 95% of them were identified. Genome-based phylogenetic analysis showed that S. osmophilus is most closely related to S. octosporus and these 2 species diverged around 16 million years ago. To demonstrate the utility of this S. osmophilus reference genome, we conducted cross-species comparative analyses of centromeres, telomeres, transposons, the mating-type region, Cbp1 family proteins, and mitochondrial genomes. These analyses revealed conservation of repeat arrangements and sequence motifs in centromere cores, identified telomeric sequences composed of 2 types of repeats, delineated relationships among Tf1/sushi group retrotransposons, characterized the evolutionary origins and trajectories of Cbp1 family domesticated transposases, and discovered signs of interspecific transfer of 2 types of mitochondrial selfish elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Song Jia
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wen-Cai Zhang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yue Liang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xi-Han Liu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Nicholas Rhind
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Alison Pidoux
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, Scotland, UK
| | - Michael Brysch-Herzberg
- Laboratory for Wine Microbiology, Department International Business, Heilbronn University, Heilbronn 74081, Germany
| | - Li-Lin Du
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102206, China
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25
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Rosenbloom AD, Pollard TD. The proline-rich domain of fission yeast WASp (Wsp1p) interacts with actin filaments and inhibits actin polymerization. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:672-681. [PMID: 36650956 PMCID: PMC10023459 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Members of the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASp) family activate Arp2/3 complex (actin-related proteins 2 and 3 complex) to form actin filament branches. The proline-rich domain (PRD) of WASp contributes to branching nucleation, and the PRD of budding yeast Las17 binds actin filaments [Urbanek AN et al. (2013) Curr Biol 23, 196-203]. Biochemical assays showed the recombinant PRD of fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe Wsp1p binds actin filaments with micromolar affinity. Recombinant PRDs of both Wsp1p and Las17p slowed the elongation of actin filaments by Mg-ATP-actin monomers by half and slowed the spontaneous polymerization of Mg-ATP-actin monomers modestly. The affinity of PRDs of WASp-family proteins for actin filaments is high enough to contribute to the reported stimulation of actin filament branching by Arp2/3 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D. Rosenbloom
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, PO Box 208107, New Haven, CT 06520-8103 USA
| | - Thomas D. Pollard
- Departments of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and of Cell Biology, Yale University, PO Box 208103, New Haven, CT 06520-8103 USA
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26
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Cryo-EM structure and function of S. pombe complex IV with bound respiratory supercomplex factor. Commun Chem 2023; 6:32. [PMID: 36797353 PMCID: PMC9935853 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-023-00827-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as model organism for studying higher eukaryotes. We combined the use of cryo-EM and spectroscopy to investigate the structure and function of affinity purified respiratory complex IV (CIV) from S. pombe. The reaction sequence of the reduced enzyme with O2 proceeds over a time scale of µs-ms, similar to that of the mammalian CIV. The cryo-EM structure of CIV revealed eleven subunits as well as a bound hypoxia-induced gene 1 (Hig1) domain of respiratory supercomplex factor 2 (Rcf2). These results suggest that binding of Rcf2 does not require the presence of a CIII-CIV supercomplex, i.e. Rcf2 is a component of CIV. An AlphaFold-Multimer model suggests that the Hig1 domains of both Rcf1 and Rcf2 bind at the same site of CIV suggesting that their binding is mutually exclusive. Furthermore, the differential functional effect of Rcf1 or Rcf2 is presumably caused by interactions of CIV with their different non-Hig1 domain parts.
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27
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Navrátilová A, Kovár M, Kopčeková J, Mrázová J, Trakovická A, Požgajová M. Protective effect of Aronia melanocarpa juice against acrylamide-induced cellular toxicity. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2023; 58:139-149. [PMID: 36734814 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2023.2172287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Acrylamide (AA) a widely used industrial chemical is also formed during food processing by the Maillard reaction, which makes its exposure to humans almost unavoidable. In this study, we used Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model organism to investigate AA toxicity (10 or 20 mM concentration) in eukaryotes. In S. pombe, AA delays cell growth causes oxidative stress by enhancement of ROS production and triggers excitement of the antioxidant defence system resulting in the division arrest. Aronia fruit contains a variety of health-promoting substances with considerable antioxidant potential. Therefore, Aronia juice supplementation was tested to evaluate its protective effect against AA-derived perturbations of the organism. Cell treatment with several Aronia juice concentrations ranging from 0 to 2% revealed the best protective effect of 1 or 2% Aronia juice solutions. Both chosen Aronia juice concentrations alleviated AA toxicity through the improvement of the antioxidant cell capacity and metabolic activity by their strong ROS scavenging property. Efficiency of Aronia juice cell protection is dose dependent as the 2% solution led to significantly higher cellular defence compared with 1%. Due to the high similarity of biological processes of S. pombe with higher eukaryotes, the protective effect of Aronia juice against AA toxicity might also apply to higher organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alica Navrátilová
- Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Marek Kovár
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Science, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Jana Kopčeková
- Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Jana Mrázová
- Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Anna Trakovická
- Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Požgajová
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
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28
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Moreira-Ramos S, Arias L, Flores R, Katz A, Levicán G, Orellana O. Synonymous mutations in the phosphoglycerate kinase 1 gene induce an altered response to protein misfolding in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1074741. [PMID: 36713198 PMCID: PMC9875302 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1074741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Proteostasis refers to the processes that regulate the biogenesis, folding, trafficking, and degradation of proteins. Any alteration in these processes can lead to cell malfunction. Protein synthesis, a key proteostatic process, is highly-regulated at multiple levels to ensure adequate adaptation to environmental and physiological challenges such as different stressors, proteotoxic conditions and aging, among other factors. Because alterations in protein translation can lead to protein misfolding, examining how protein translation is regulated may also help to elucidate in part how proteostasis is controlled. Codon usage bias has been implicated in the fine-tuning of translation rate, as more-frequent codons might be read faster than their less-frequent counterparts. Thus, alterations in codon usage due to synonymous mutations may alter translation kinetics and thereby affect the folding of the nascent polypeptide, without altering its primary structure. To date, it has been difficult to predict the effect of synonymous mutations on protein folding and cellular fitness due to a scarcity of relevant data. Thus, the purpose of this work was to assess the effect of synonymous mutations in discrete regions of the gene that encodes the highly-expressed enzyme 3-phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (pgk1) in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Results By means of systematic replacement of synonymous codons along pgk1, we found slightly-altered protein folding and activity in a region-specific manner. However, alterations in protein aggregation, heat stress as well as changes in proteasome activity occurred independently of the mutated region. Concomitantly, reduced mRNA levels of the chaperones Hsp9 and Hsp16 were observed. Conclusion Taken together, these data suggest that codon usage bias of the gene encoding this highly-expressed protein is an important regulator of protein function and proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Moreira-Ramos
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Loreto Arias
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Flores
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Assaf Katz
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gloria Levicán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
| | - Omar Orellana
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile,*Correspondence: Omar Orellana,
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29
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Bertaux F, Kleijn IT, Marguerat S, Shahrezaei V. Fission yeast obeys a linear size law under nutrient titration. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000833. [PMID: 37193545 PMCID: PMC10182418 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Steady-state cell size and geometry depend on growth conditions. Here, we use an experimental setup based on continuous culture and single-cell imaging to study how cell volume, length, width and surface-to-volume ratio vary across a range of growth conditions including nitrogen and carbon titration, the choice of nitrogen source, and translation inhibition. Overall, we find cell geometry is not fully determined by growth rate and depends on the specific mode of growth rate modulation. However, under nitrogen and carbon titrations, we observe that the cell volume and the growth rate follow the same linear scaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Bertaux
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, England, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Istvan T. Kleijn
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, England, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Marguerat
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, England, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
- Current address: UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, England, United Kingdom
- Correspondence to: Samuel Marguerat (
)
| | - Vahid Shahrezaei
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
- Correspondence to: Vahid Shahrezaei (
)
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30
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Sajeevan A, Pandian R, Mishra SK. Vectors with a flexible multiple cloning site and modular epitope tags for gene expression studies in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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31
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Anti- Candida Activity of Extracts Containing Ellagitannins, Triterpenes and Flavonoids of Terminalia brownii, a Medicinal Plant Growing in Semi-Arid and Savannah Woodland in Sudan. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112469. [PMID: 36432659 PMCID: PMC9692435 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Various parts of Terminalia brownii (Fresen) are used in Sudanese traditional medicine against fungal infections. The present study aimed to verify these uses by investigating the anti-Candida activity and phytochemistry of T. brownii extracts. Established agar diffusion and microplate dilution methods were used for the antifungal screenings. HPLC-DAD and UHPLC/QTOF-MS were used for the chemical fingerprinting of extracts and for determination of molecular masses. Large inhibition zones and MIC values of 312 µg/mL were obtained with acetone, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the leaves and acetone and methanol extracts of the roots. In addition, decoctions and macerations of the leaves and stem bark showed good activity. Sixty compounds were identified from a leaf ethyl acetate extract, showing good antifungal activity. Di-, tri- and tetra-gallotannins, chebulinic acid (eutannin) and ellagitannins, including an isomer of methyl-(S)-flavogallonate, terflavin B and corilagin, were detected in T. brownii leaves for the first time. In addition, genipin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, apigenin, kaempferol-4’-sulfate, myricetin-3-rhamnoside and sericic acid were also characterized. Amongst the pure compounds present in T. brownii leaves, apigenin and β-sitosterol gave the strongest growth inhibitory effects. From this study, it was evident that the leaf extracts of T. brownii have considerable anti-Candida activity with MIC values ranging from 312 to 2500 µg/mL.
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32
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Fujie N, Ito M, Kishida M, Hirata Y, Kondo A, Tanaka T. Metabolic engineering of Schizosaccharomyces pombe for itaconic acid production. J Biotechnol 2022; 358:111-117. [PMID: 36122598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The economical production of value-added chemicals from renewable biomass is a promising aspect of producing a sustainable economy. Itaconic acid (IA) is a high value-added compound that is expected to be an alternative to petroleum-based chemicals. In this study, we developed a metabolic engineering strategy for the large-scale production of IA from glucose using the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Heterologous expression of the cis-aconitic acid decarboxylase (CAD) gene from Aspergillus terreus, which encodes cis-aconitate decarboxylase in the cytosol, led to the production of 0.132 g/L of IA. We demonstrated that mitochondrial localization of CAD enhanced the production of IA. To prevent the leakage of carbon flux from the TCA cycle, we generated a strain in which the endogenous malate exporter, citrate lyase, and citrate transporter genes were disrupted. A titer of 1.110 g/L of IA was obtained from a culture of this strain started with 50 g/L of glucose. By culturing the multiple mutant strain at increased cell density, we succeeded in enhancing the IA production to 1.555 g/L. The metabolic engineering strategies presented in this study have the potential to improve the titer of the biosynthesis of derivatives of intermediates of the TCA cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naofumi Fujie
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Miki Ito
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Mayumi Kishida
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Yuuki Hirata
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Tanaka
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan.
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Abstract
Spore killers are specific genetic elements in fungi that kill sexual spores that do not contain them. A range of studies in the last few years have provided the long-awaited first insights into the molecular mechanistic aspects of spore killing in different fungal models, including both yeast-forming and filamentous Ascomycota. Here we describe these recent advances, focusing on the wtf system in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe; the Sk spore killers of Neurospora species; and two spore-killer systems in Podospora anserina, Spok and [Het-s]. The spore killers appear thus far mechanistically unrelated. They can involve large genomic rearrangements but most often rely on the action of just a single gene. Data gathered so far show that the protein domains involved in the killing and resistance processes differ among the systems and are not homologous. The emerging picture sketched by these studies is thus one of great mechanistic and evolutionary diversity of elements that cheat during meiosis and are thereby preferentially inherited over sexual generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven J Saupe
- Institut de Biochimie et de Génétique Cellulaire, CNRS UMR 5095, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France;
| | - Hanna Johannesson
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden;
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34
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A Computational Toolbox to Investigate the Metabolic Potential and Resource Allocation in Fission Yeast. mSystems 2022; 7:e0042322. [PMID: 35950759 PMCID: PMC9426579 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00423-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, is a popular eukaryal model organism for cell division and cell cycle studies. With this extensive knowledge of its cell and molecular biology, S. pombe also holds promise for use in metabolism research and industrial applications. However, unlike the baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a major workhorse in these areas, cell physiology and metabolism of S. pombe remain less explored. One way to advance understanding of organism-specific metabolism is construction of computational models and their use for hypothesis testing. To this end, we leverage existing knowledge of S. cerevisiae to generate a manually curated high-quality reconstruction of S. pombe's metabolic network, including a proteome-constrained version of the model. Using these models, we gain insights into the energy demands for growth, as well as ribosome kinetics in S. pombe. Furthermore, we predict proteome composition and identify growth-limiting constraints that determine optimal metabolic strategies under different glucose availability regimes and reproduce experimentally determined metabolic profiles. Notably, we find similarities in metabolic and proteome predictions of S. pombe with S. cerevisiae, which indicate that similar cellular resource constraints operate to dictate metabolic organization. With these cases, we show, on the one hand, how these models provide an efficient means to transfer metabolic knowledge from a well-studied to a lesser-studied organism, and on the other, how they can successfully be used to explore the metabolic behavior and the role of resource allocation in driving different strategies in fission yeast. IMPORTANCE Our understanding of microbial metabolism relies mostly on the knowledge we have obtained from a limited number of model organisms, and the diversity of metabolism beyond the handful of model species thus remains largely unexplored in mechanistic terms. Computational modeling of metabolic networks offers an attractive platform to bridge the knowledge gap and gain new insights into physiology of lesser-studied organisms. Here we showcase an example of successful knowledge transfer from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to a popular model organism in molecular and cell biology, fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, using computational models.
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35
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Piper PW, Scott JE, Millson SH. UCS Chaperone Folding of the Myosin Head: A Function That Evolved before Animals and Fungi Diverged from a Common Ancestor More than a Billion Years Ago. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081028. [PMID: 35892339 PMCID: PMC9331494 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The folding of the myosin head often requires a UCS (Unc45, Cro1, She4) domain-containing chaperone. Worms, flies, and fungi have just a single UCS protein. Vertebrates have two; one (Unc45A) which functions primarily in non-muscle cells and another (Unc45B) that is essential for establishing and maintaining the contractile apparatus of cardiac and skeletal muscles. The domain structure of these proteins suggests that the UCS function evolved before animals and fungi diverged from a common ancestor more than a billion years ago. UCS proteins of metazoans and apicomplexan parasites possess a tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR), a domain for direct binding of the Hsp70/Hsp90 chaperones. This, however, is absent in the UCS proteins of fungi and largely nonessential for the UCS protein function in Caenorhabditis elegans and zebrafish. The latter part of this review focusses on the TPR-deficient UCS proteins of fungi. While these are reasonably well studied in yeasts, there is little precise information as to how they might engage in interactions with the Hsp70/Hsp90 chaperones or might assist in myosin operations during the hyphal growth of filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter William Piper
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Correspondence: (P.W.P.); (S.H.M.)
| | | | - Stefan Heber Millson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK;
- Correspondence: (P.W.P.); (S.H.M.)
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Kovár M, Navrátilová A, Kolláthová R, Trakovická A, Požgajová M. Acrylamide-Derived Ionome, Metabolic, and Cell Cycle Alterations Are Alleviated by Ascorbic Acid in the Fission Yeast. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134307. [PMID: 35807551 PMCID: PMC9268660 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acrylamide (AA), is a chemical with multiple industrial applications, however, it can be found in foods that are rich in carbohydrates. Due to its genotoxic and cytotoxic effects, AA has been classified as a potential carcinogen. With the use of spectrophotometry, ICP-OES, fluorescence spectroscopy, and microscopy cell growth, metabolic activity, apoptosis, ROS production, MDA formation, CAT and SOD activity, ionome balance, and chromosome segregation were determined in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. AA caused growth and metabolic activity retardation, enhanced ROS and MDA production, and modulated antioxidant enzyme activity. This led to damage to the cell homeostasis due to ionome balance disruption. Moreover, AA-induced oxidative stress caused alterations in the cell cycle regulation resulting in chromosome segregation errors, as 4.07% of cells displayed sister chromatid non-disjunction during mitosis. Ascorbic acid (AsA, Vitamin C), a strong natural antioxidant, was used to alleviate the negative impact of AA. Cell pre-treatment with AsA significantly improved AA impaired growth, and antioxidant capacity, and supported ionome balance maintenance mainly due to the promotion of calcium uptake. Chromosome missegregation was reduced to 1.79% (44% improvement) by AsA pre-incubation. Results of our multiapproach analyses suggest that AA-induced oxidative stress is the major cause of alteration to cell homeostasis and cell cycle regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Kovár
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Science, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Alica Navrátilová
- Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (A.N.); (A.T.)
| | - Renata Kolláthová
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Anna Trakovická
- Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (A.N.); (A.T.)
| | - Miroslava Požgajová
- AgroBioTech Research Center, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-37-641-4919
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37
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Kachroo AH, Vandeloo M, Greco BM, Abdullah M. Humanized yeast to model human biology, disease and evolution. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275614. [PMID: 35661208 PMCID: PMC9194483 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, budding yeast, a single-cellular eukaryote, has provided remarkable insights into human biology. Yeast and humans share several thousand genes despite morphological and cellular differences and over a billion years of separate evolution. These genes encode critical cellular processes, the failure of which in humans results in disease. Although recent developments in genome engineering of mammalian cells permit genetic assays in human cell lines, there is still a need to develop biological reagents to study human disease variants in a high-throughput manner. Many protein-coding human genes can successfully substitute for their yeast equivalents and sustain yeast growth, thus opening up doors for developing direct assays of human gene function in a tractable system referred to as 'humanized yeast'. Humanized yeast permits the discovery of new human biology by measuring human protein activity in a simplified organismal context. This Review summarizes recent developments showing how humanized yeast can directly assay human gene function and explore variant effects at scale. Thus, by extending the 'awesome power of yeast genetics' to study human biology, humanizing yeast reinforces the high relevance of evolutionarily distant model organisms to explore human gene evolution, function and disease.
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Bhardwaj V, Sharma N. Absence of the Rpb9 subunit of RNA polymerase II reduces the chronological life span in fission yeast. J Basic Microbiol 2022; 62:900-910. [PMID: 35618649 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202200036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Fission yeast RNA polymerase II consists of 12 subunits, Rpb1-Rpb12. Among these subunits, Rpb9 is the only subunit whose absence does not cause lethality under optimum growth conditions in fission yeast. However, an rpb9 null fission yeast mutant exhibits a slow-growth phenotype under optimum growth conditions and a defect in survival under environmental and genotoxic stress conditions. To further gain an understanding of its physiological roles, in the present study we have elucidated the role of the Rpb9 subunit in chronological aging using fission yeast as the model organism. Our results provide evidence that the absence of Rpb9 reduces the chronological life span in fission yeast. Our data further shows that lack of Rpb9 in fission yeast causes oxidative stress sensitivity and accumulation of reactive oxygen species during the stationary phase. Our domain mapping experiments have demonstrated that the Rpb9 region encompassing its amino-terminal zinc finger domain and the central linker region is important for the role of Rpb9 in chronological aging. Finally, we also show that expression of the budding yeast or human Rpb9 ortholog can functionally complement the reduced chronological life span phenotype of the fission yeast rpb9 deletion mutant. Taken together, our study has identified a new role of the Rpb9 subunit in chronological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Bhardwaj
- University School of Biotechnology (USBT), Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Nimisha Sharma
- University School of Biotechnology (USBT), Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
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39
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Involvement of Sec71 and Ubp2 in tunicamycin-induced ER stress response in the fission yeast. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4719-4726. [PMID: 35474054 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07321-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the cellular environment result in ER stress and activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR alleviates ER stress and restores homeostasis, but it triggers cell death under prolonged stress. Here, we aimed to investigate the involvement of Sec71, an Arf-GEF involved in vesicular transport, in the tunicamycin-induced ER stress response. Since deubiquitinases and ER stress are known to be closely linked, we investigated this response by evaluating the potential role of Ubp2, a deubiquitinase, in the ER stress response in fission yeast. METHODS AND RESULTS Tunicamycin-induced ER stress responses were assessed by analyzing cell viability, apoptosis, intracellular oxidation levels, and proteasomal activities in sec71 and ubp2-deficient cells. The cell viability of Δsec71 and Δubp2 decreased after exposure to 0.5 µg/mL tunicamycin. Deleting either ubp2 or sec71 genes significantly decreased proteasomal activity and sensitized cells to ER stress, resulting in increased apoptosis compared with wild-type cells after tunicamycin treatment. DCFDA (2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) reduction increased in correlation with apoptosis observed in the mutant cells, indicating higher levels of reactive oxygen species. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the involvement of S. pombe Ubp2 in the known role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the ER stress response. We hypothesise that Sec71 is associated with ER homeostasis, and our findings on Sec71 provide new insight into the regulation of cell death mechanisms arising from the ER stress.
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40
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Brysch-Herzberg M, Jia GS, Seidel M, Assali I, Du LL. Insights into the ecology of Schizosaccharomyces species in natural and artificial habitats. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2022; 115:661-695. [PMID: 35359202 PMCID: PMC9007792 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-022-01720-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The fission yeast genus Schizosaccharomyces contains important model organisms for biological research. In particular, S. pombe is a widely used model eukaryote. So far little is known about the natural and artificial habitats of species in this genus. Finding out where S. pombe and other fission yeast species occur and how they live in their habitats can promote better understanding of their biology. Here we investigate in which substrates S. pombe, S. octosporus, S. osmophilus and S. japonicus are present. To this end about 2100 samples consisting of soil, tree sap fluxes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, honey, cacao beans, molasses and other substrates were analyzed. Effective isolation methods that allow efficient isolation of the above mentioned species were developed. Based on the frequency of isolating different fission yeast species in various substrates and on extensive literature survey, conclusions are drawn on their ecology. The results suggest that the primary habitat of S. pombe and S. octosporus is honeybee honey. Both species were also frequently detected on certain dried fruit like raisins, mango or pineapple to which they could be brought by the honey bees during ripening or during drying. While S. pombe was regularly isolated from grape mash and from fermented raw cacao beans S. octosporus was never isolated from fresh fruit. The main habitat of S. osmophilus seems to be solitary bee beebread. It was rarely isolated from raisins. S. japonicus was mainly found in forest substrates although it occurs on fruit and in fruit fermentations, too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brysch-Herzberg
- Laboratory for Wine Microbiology, Department International Business, Heilbronn University, Max-Planck-Str. 39, 74081 Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Guo-Song Jia
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206 China
| | - Martin Seidel
- Laboratory for Wine Microbiology, Department International Business, Heilbronn University, Max-Planck-Str. 39, 74081 Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Imen Assali
- Department of Bioengineering, National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, Soukra, km 4, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Li-Lin Du
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206 China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206 China
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41
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Hoffman CS. Use of a Fission Yeast Platform to Identify and Characterize Small Molecule PDE Inhibitors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:833156. [PMID: 35111072 PMCID: PMC8802716 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.833156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) have been proven to be targets for which highly selective and potent drugs can be developed. Mammalian genomes possess 21 genes whose products are pharmacologically grouped into 11 families; however related genes from pathogenic organisms display sufficient divergence from the mammalian homologs such that PDE inhibitors to these enzymes could be used to treat parasitic infections without acting on the related human PDEs. We have developed a platform for expressing cloned PDEs in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, allowing for inexpensive, but robust screening for small molecule inhibitors that are cell permeable. Such compounds typically display the expected biological activity when tested in cell culture, including anti-inflammatory properties for PDE4 and PDE7 inhibitors. The genetic pliability of S. pombe also allows for molecular genetic screens to identify mutations in target PDE genes that confer some resistance to these inhibitors as a way of investigating the PDE-inhibitor interaction. This screening method is readily accessible to academic laboratories as it does not require the purification of large quantities of a target protein. This allows for the discovery and profiling of PDE inhibitors to treat inflammation or of inhibitors of targets such as pathogen PDEs for which there may not be a sufficient financial motivation for pharmaceutical companies to identify selective PDE inhibitors using more traditional in vitro enzyme-based screening methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles S Hoffman
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
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42
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Kondoh H, Teruya T, Kameda M, Yanagida M. Decline of ergothioneine in frailty and cognition impairment. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:1270-1278. [PMID: 35090053 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ergothioneine is a well-known anti-oxidant that is abundant in both human red blood cells and in fission yeast responding to nutritional stress. In frail elderly people, whose aging organs undergo functional decline, there is a correlation between ergothioneine levels and cognitive, but not skeletal muscle decline. In patients suffering from dementia, including Alzheimer's disease with hippocampal atrophy, deteriorating cognitive ability is correlated with declining ergothioneine levels. S-methyl-ergothioneine, trimethyl-histidine, and three other trimethyl-ammonium compounds also decrease sharply in dementia, whereas compounds such as indoxyl-sulfate and quinolinic acid increase, possibly exacerbating the disease. Using these opposing dementia markers, not only diagnosis, but also therapeutic interventions to mitigate cognitive decline may now become possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kondoh
- Geriatric unit, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takayuki Teruya
- G0 Cell Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Okinawa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kameda
- Geriatric unit, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Yanagida
- G0 Cell Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Okinawa, Japan
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43
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Kianfard Z, Cheung K, Sabatinos SA. Cell Cycle Synchrony Methods for Fission Yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2579:169-179. [PMID: 36045206 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2736-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, is a genetically tractable model organism for cell cycle and molecular genetics research. We describe methods to synchronize S. pombe cultures, and the benefits and limitations of each. Drug-induced synchrony is a convenient method to arrest the cell cycle. An example of the drug hydroxyurea is shown, which arrests cells in S-phase. Environmental modulation through media composition or growth conditions may also be used to synchronize cultures, most commonly with nitrogen depletion to arrest in G1-phase. Finally, examples of temperature-sensitive conditional alleles are shown which arrest the cell cycle at key transition points. Each of these methods must be assessed relative to the desired effect and the process being studied, providing the best synchrony with the fewest off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Kianfard
- Molecular Science Program, Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kyle Cheung
- Molecular Science Program, Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah A Sabatinos
- Molecular Science Program, Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada.
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44
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Kianfard Z, Cheung K, Rappaport D, Magalage SP, Sabatinos SA. Detecting Cell Cycle Stage and Progression in Fission Yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2579:235-246. [PMID: 36045211 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2736-5_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We have previously described methods to synchronize cultures of fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In this chapter, we provide methods to detect cell cycle stage in cells and populations of S. pombe. These protocols used fixed samples. First, we describe sample preparation for flow cytometry of bulk DNA content. This technique allows users to monitor progression of DNA replication and detect any perturbation during the synthesis (S) phase of the cell cycle. Second, we describe methods to stain nuclei and septa of fixed yeast cells, and monitor proportions of cell cycle stages within cultures. Together, these methods provide the ability to compare cell cycle progression or delay between cultures, making use of the powerful molecular genetics tool that is S. pombe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Kianfard
- Molecular Science Program, Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kyle Cheung
- Molecular Science Program, Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Rappaport
- Molecular Science Program, Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sirasie P Magalage
- Molecular Science Program, Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah A Sabatinos
- Molecular Science Program, Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada.
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45
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Domin M, Hoffman CS. Methods to Assess Phosphodiesterase and/or Adenylyl Cyclase Activity Via Heterologous Expression in Fission Yeast. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2483:93-104. [PMID: 35286671 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2245-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Heterologous expression of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and adenylyl cyclases (ACs) in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe can be used in combination with PKA-repressed reporters to either carry out high throughput screens for small molecule inhibitors of these target enzymes or to assess hit compounds and their analogs from such screens. Here, we describe two methods for testing panels of such compounds. The first uses a growth assay for which growth in medium containing the pyrimidine analog 5-fluoro orotic acid (5FOA) occurs in response to inhibiting PDE activity to activate PKA. The second uses mass spectrometry to directly measure the impact of compound treatment to study compounds that modulate either PDE or AC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Domin
- Mass Spectrometry Center, Chemistry Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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46
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Shraim R, Nieuwenhuis BPS. The search for Schizosaccharomyces fission yeasts in environmental meta-transcriptomes. Yeast 2021; 39:83-94. [PMID: 34967063 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Fission yeast is an important model organism in evolutionary genetics and cell biology research. Nevertheless, most research is limited to a single laboratory strain and knowledge of its natural occurrence is limited, which reduces our understanding of its life history and hinders isolation of new strains from nature. Understanding the natural diversity of fission yeast can provide insight into its genetic and phenotypic diversity and the evolutionary processes that shaped these. Here we aimed to identify candidate natural habitats of fission yeasts by searching through a large collection of publicly available environmental metatranscriptomic datasets. Using a custom pipeline, we processed over 13,000 NCBI SRA accessions, from a wide range of 34 different environmental categories. Overall, we found a very low abundance of putative yeast transcripts, with most fission yeast signatures coming from the categories of 'food' and 'terrestrial arthropods'. Additionally, a signal could be found in a variety of marine and fresh aquatic habitats. Our results do not provide a conclusive answer on the natural habitat of fission yeasts, but our analysis further narrows the range of locations where fission yeasts naturally occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Shraim
- The SFI Centre for Research Training in Genomics Data Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway and Department of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Republic of Ireland.,Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Bart P S Nieuwenhuis
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
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47
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Bhatia-Kissova I, Camougrand N. Mitophagy in Yeast: Decades of Research. Cells 2021; 10:3541. [PMID: 34944049 PMCID: PMC8700663 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitophagy, the selective degradation of mitochondria by autophagy, is one of the most important mechanisms of mitochondrial quality control, and its proper functioning is essential for cellular homeostasis. In this review, we describe the most important milestones achieved during almost 2 decades of research on yeasts, which shed light on the molecular mechanisms, regulation, and role of the Atg32 receptor in this process. We analyze the role of ROS in mitophagy and discuss the physiological roles of mitophagy in unicellular organisms, such as yeast; these roles are very different from those in mammals. Additionally, we discuss some of the different tools available for studying mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Bhatia-Kissova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Nadine Camougrand
- CNRS, UMR 5095, 1 Rue Camille Saint-Saëns, 33077 Bordeaux, France
- Institut de Biochimie et de Génétique Cellulaires, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5095, 1 Rue Camille Saint-Saëns, 33077 Bordeaux, France
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48
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Lai D, Huang X, Wang C, Ow DW. Arabidopsis OXIDATIVE STRESS 3 enhances stress tolerance in Schizosaccharomyces pombe by promoting histone subunit replacement that upregulates drug-resistant genes. Genetics 2021; 219:6371188. [PMID: 34740252 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone replacement in chromatin-remodeling plays an important role in eukaryotic gene expression. New histone variants replacing their canonical counterparts often lead to a change in transcription, including responses to stresses caused by temperature, drought, salinity, and heavy metals. In this study, we describe a chromatin-remodeling process triggered by eviction of Rad3/Tel1-phosphorylated H2Aα, in which a heterologous plant protein AtOXS3 can subsequently bind fission yeast HA2.Z and Swc2, a component of the SWR1 complex, to facilitate replacement of H2Aα with H2A.Z. The histone replacement increases occupancy of the oxidative stress-responsive transcription factor Pap1 at the promoters of at least three drug-resistant genes, which enhances their transcription and hence primes the cell for higher stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingwang Lai
- Plant Gene Engineering Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiuting Huang
- Plant Gene Engineering Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Changhu Wang
- Plant Gene Engineering Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - David W Ow
- Plant Gene Engineering Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
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49
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Zhang X, Xin Y, Chen Z, Xia Y, Xun L, Liu H. Sulfide-quinone oxidoreductase is required for cysteine synthesis and indispensable to mitochondrial health. Redox Biol 2021; 47:102169. [PMID: 34688157 PMCID: PMC8577491 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is related to common age-related disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, and carcinogenesis. Therefore, maintaining the functionality and integrity of mitochondria is important for human health. Herein, we found that sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (Sqr), which oxidizes hydrogen sulfide to reactive sulfur species (RSS), was indispensable to mitochondria health in the eukaryotic model microorganism Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Sqr knock-out led to morphological changes and functional deficiencies of mitochondria and apoptosis in S. pombe. The Sqr knock-out strain displayed the same phenotypes as the cysteine-synthesis-deficient strain, and cysteine addition complemented the effects caused by Sqr knock-out. In S. pombe, Sqr was the main RSS producer in mitochondria, and RSS instead of H2S was used by cysteine synthase to synthesize cysteine. This finding rewrites the cysteine biosynthesis route in S. pombe and may also in other eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and highlights the importance of cysteine and RSS in maintaining mitochondrial health. Sqr is an important RSS producer in mitochondria. RSS is involved in cysteine de novo biosynthesis. It is the de facto substrate of cysteine synthase. Sqr is required for maintaining the health of mitochondria, might be a new target for inhibiting cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Yuping Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Zhigang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Yongzhen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Luying Xun
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China; Department of Chemistry, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4630, USA.
| | - Huaiwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China.
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50
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Genome Comparisons of the Fission Yeasts Reveal Ancient Collinear Loci Maintained by Natural Selection. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100864. [PMID: 34682285 PMCID: PMC8537764 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fission yeasts have a unique life history and exhibit distinct evolutionary patterns from other yeasts. Besides, the species demonstrate stable genome structures despite the relatively fast evolution of their genomic sequences. To reveal what could be the reason for that, comparative genomic analyses were carried out. Our results provided evidence that the structural and sequence evolution of the fission yeasts were correlated. Moreover, we revealed ancestral locally collinear blocks (aLCBs), which could have been inherited from their last common ancestor. These aLCBs proved to be the most conserved regions of the genomes as the aLCBs contain almost eight genes/blocks on average in the same orientation and order across the species. Gene order of the aLCBs is mainly fission-yeast-specific but supports the idea of filamentous ancestors. Nevertheless, the sequences and gene structures within the aLCBs are as mutable as any sequences in other parts of the genomes. Although genes of certain Gene Ontology (GO) categories tend to cluster at the aLCBs, those GO enrichments are not related to biological functions or high co-expression rates, they are, rather, determined by the density of essential genes and Rec12 cleavage sites. These data and our simulations indicated that aLCBs might not only be remnants of ancestral gene order but are also maintained by natural selection.
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