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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Analysis of the Expression and Complexes Assembly of the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Proteins in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Published on: May 2, 2025
The S. Cerevisiae HAP complex, a key regulator of mitochondrial function, coordinates nuclear and mitochondrial gene
S Buschlen1, J-M Amillet, B Guiard
1Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, IGM, Batiment 400. Université Paris Sud, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France.
The HAP transcriptional complex globally regulates Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene expression, particularly impacting mitochondrial functions and translation. This complex plays a key role in coordinating nuclear and mitochondrial gene expression for cellular respiration.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Yeast Genetics
- Mitochondrial Biology
Background:
- The HAP transcriptional complex is essential for Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth on respiratory substrates.
- Understanding HAP's regulatory role is crucial for elucidating cellular respiration mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare global gene expression in wild-type and HAP mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains.
- To analyze the specific effects of the HAP complex on mitochondrial gene expression and function.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling (comparative genomics) in wild-type and Deltahap2/Deltahap4 mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Bioinformatic analysis of gene regulatory elements (CCAAT-binding sites).
Main Results:
- Hundreds of ORFs are under HAP complex control, with most upregulated genes involved in organelle functions.
- HAP regulates nuclear genes for respiratory chain complexes, mitochondrial translation, import, and division.
- Control of mitochondrial translation by HAP may coordinate nuclear and mitochondrial gene expression.
Conclusions:
- The HAP complex is a high-level regulator of global transcriptional control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- HAP's regulation extends beyond respiratory genes to include mitochondrial dynamics and translation.
- Indirect regulatory mechanisms are suggested by the presence of HAP-regulated genes lacking direct binding sites.
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