Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
A Deep-sequencing-assisted, Spontaneous Suppressor Screen in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Published on: March 7, 2019
A genomic screen for yeast mutants defective in selective mitochondria autophagy
Tomotake Kanki1, Ke Wang, Misuzu Baba
1Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
Abstract:
Mitophagy is the process of selective mitochondrial degradation via autophagy, which has an important role in mitochondrial quality control. Very little is known, however, about the molecular mechanism of mitophagy. A genome-wide yeast mutant screen for mitophagy-defective strains identified 32 mutants with a block in mitophagy, in addition to the known autophagy-related (ATG) gene mutants. We further characterized one of these mutants, ylr356wDelta that corresponds to a gene whose function has not been identified. YLR356W is a mitophagy-specific gene that was not required for other types of selective autophagy or macroautophagy. The deletion of YLR356W partially inhibited mitophagy during starvation, whereas there was an almost complete inhibition at post-log phase. Accordingly, we have named this gene ATG33. The new mutants identified in this analysis will provide a useful foundation for researchers interested in the study of mitochondrial homeostasis and quality control.
Insights
Researchers identified a new gene, ATG33, crucial for mitophagy, the process of degrading damaged mitochondria. This discovery advances understanding of mitochondrial quality control mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mitophagy is essential for mitochondrial quality control, involving selective degradation of mitochondria via autophagy.
- The molecular mechanisms governing mitophagy remain largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding mitophagy is key to comprehending cellular homeostasis and preventing mitochondrial dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel genes involved in the molecular mechanism of mitophagy.
- To characterize the function of a previously unidentified gene, YLR356W, in mitophagy.
- To provide new tools for studying mitochondrial homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- A genome-wide yeast mutant screen was performed to identify mitophagy-defective strains.
- Mutant strains, including ylr356wΔ, were characterized to assess their mitophagy defects.
- The specificity of YLR356W function in different types of autophagy was investigated.
Main Results:
- A screen identified 32 new mitophagy-defective mutants, alongside known autophagy-related (ATG) gene mutants.
- The gene YLR356W was identified as a mitophagy-specific gene, now named ATG33.
- Deletion of ATG33 significantly inhibited mitophagy, particularly during the post-log phase, while not affecting other autophagy types.
Conclusions:
- ATG33 is a novel, mitophagy-specific gene essential for efficient mitochondrial degradation.
- The identification of ATG33 and other mutants provides a valuable resource for mitophagy research.
- This work enhances our understanding of the molecular pathways regulating mitochondrial quality control.
