Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Published on: September 17, 2020
Ydc1p ceramidase triggers organelle fragmentation, apoptosis and accelerated ageing in yeast
A M Aerts1, P Zabrocki, I E J A François
1Center of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
Abstract:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae dihydroceramidase Ydc1p hydrolyzes ceramide, resulting in accumulation of free long-chain bases and their phosphates. Yeast mutants lacking YDC1 are characterized by increased chronological lifespan. Moreover, we found YDC1 up-regulated in a yeast mutant displaying reduced chronological lifespan. These data suggest an important role for Ydc1p in chronological lifespan determination in yeast. Mitochondria are known to play an important role in chronological lifespan and apoptosis. In this study we demonstrated that overexpression of YDC1 results in reduced chronological lifespan and increased apoptotic cell death. We found YDC1 overexpression to result in mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction. Interestingly, vacuoles also appeared to be fragmented and dysfunctional upon YDC1 overexpressing. Exogenous addition of ceramide to YDC1-overexpressing cultures increased chronological lifespan and restored organelle function. In conclusion, this study describes a direct link between ceramide metabolism in yeast and mitochondrial and vacuolar fragmentation and function, with consequences for chronological lifespan in yeast.
More Related Videos
08:46Studying Age-dependent Genomic Instability using the S. cerevisiae Chronological Lifespan Model
Published on: September 29, 2011
11:57Saccharomyces cerevisiae Models of Alzheimer's Disease to Screen Genes, Mutations, and Chemicals Affecting Amyloid Beta Production by γ-Secretase
Published on: June 24, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Replicative Cell Senescence
Replicative Cell Senescence
Caspases
Apoptosis
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle