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A third ADP/ATP translocator gene in yeast.
J Kolarov1, N Kolarova, N Nelson
1Roche Institute of Molecular Biology, Roche Research Center, Nutley, New Jersey 07110.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|July 25, 1990
Summary
A newly discovered yeast gene, AAC3, encodes an ADP/ATP translocator and can compensate for defects in AAC2, particularly under anaerobic conditions. This finding clarifies the function of yeast ADP/ATP translocator genes.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial biogenesis
- Molecular genetics
- Yeast biology
Background:
- The op1 mutation in yeast is linked to a defective mitochondrial ADP/ATP translocator.
- Previous studies identified AAC1 and AAC2 as genes encoding this translocator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of the op1 mutation in yeast.
- To identify and characterize novel genes involved in ADP/ATP translocation.
Main Methods:
- Gene sequencing of AAC2 in wild-type and op1 mutant yeast.
- Cloning and sequencing of the reverted AAC2 gene.
- Oligonucleotide-based cloning to identify new genes.
- Gene disruption experiments to assess gene function.
- Complementation studies using multicopy plasmids.
Main Results:
- The op1 mutation resulted from a single base change in AAC2.
- A revertant showed gene rearrangement, leading to the discovery of a new gene, AAC3.
- AAC3 is homologous to AAC1 and AAC2 and encodes an ADP/ATP translocator.
- AAC2 is the primary translocator gene, while AAC3 is expressed under anaerobic conditions.
- AAC3 can functionally replace AAC2 under anaerobic conditions.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of AAC3 provides a molecular explanation for the behavior of op1 mutants.
- Yeast possesses at least three genes for ADP/ATP translocators with distinct regulatory and functional roles.
- AAC3 plays a crucial role in yeast survival under anaerobic conditions by compensating for AAC2 deficiency.