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Apoptosis and aging in mitochondrial morphology mutants of S. cerevisiae

V Palermo1, C Falcone, C Mazzoni

  • 1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, University of Rome La Sapienza, 5 00185 Rome, Italy.

Folia Microbiologica
|February 27, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrial morphology genes MDM30 and DNM1 trigger aging and apoptosis in yeast. YME1 protects against these processes, while FIS1 has a dual role in aging and apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Mitochondrial dynamics
  • Apoptosis research

Background:

  • Mitochondrial morphology is crucial for cellular functions, including aging and apoptosis.
  • Specific genes regulating mitochondrial dynamics are implicated in these cellular processes.
  • Understanding these gene functions is key to deciphering cell fate mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of genes influencing mitochondrial morphology in yeast cell viability during aging and apoptosis.
  • To assess the function of MDM30, DNM1, YME1, and FIS1 in the apoptotic process.
  • To determine the specific contributions of these genes to aging and cell death pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Monitoring cell viability in yeast mutants with altered mitochondrial morphology.
  • Assessing the function of specific genes (MDM30, DNM1, YME1, FIS1) in apoptosis.
  • Analyzing the impact of these genes on chronological aging and response to apoptotic stimuli.

Main Results:

  • MDM30 (F-box protein) and DNM1 (dynamin-related GTPase) are involved in triggering yeast aging and apoptosis.
  • YME1, a component of the i-AAA proteinase complex, exhibits a protective role in aging and apoptosis.
  • FIS1, a mitochondrial fission gene, shows a protective effect post-apoptosis but promotes cell death during aging.

Conclusions:

  • MDM30 and DNM1 are key regulators initiating aging and apoptosis through mitochondrial pathways.
  • YME1 provides a protective mechanism against cellular aging and apoptotic insults.
  • FIS1 displays a context-dependent role, potentially mediating protective or detrimental effects on cell survival based on the cellular condition.

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