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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Studying Age-dependent Genomic Instability using the S. cerevisiae Chronological Lifespan Model
Published on: September 29, 2011
A new pma1 mutation identified in a chronologically long-lived fission yeast mutant
Chikako Naito1, Hirokazu Ito1, Tomoko Oshiro1
1Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
Abstract:
We isolated a chronologically long-lived mutant of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and found a new mutation in pma1 (+) that encoded for an essential P-type proton ATPase. An Asp-138 to Asn mutation resulted in reduced Pma1 activity, concomitant with an increase in the chronological lifespan of this fission yeast. This study corroborates our previous report indicating Pma1 activity is crucial for the determination of life span of fission yeast, and offers information for better understanding of the enzyme, Pma1.
Insights
A new mutation in the P-type proton ATPase gene (pma1) in fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) extends lifespan. This Asp-138 to Asn mutation reduces Pma1 enzyme activity, confirming its role in aging.
Area of Science:
- * Molecular biology
- * Yeast genetics
- * Aging research
Background:
- * The enzyme Pma1, a P-type proton ATPase, is essential in fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe).
- * Previous studies suggest Pma1 activity is linked to the determination of yeast lifespan.
- * Understanding Pma1's role in aging is crucial for cellular longevity research.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the impact of a specific mutation in the pma1 gene on yeast lifespan.
- * To characterize the functional consequences of the identified mutation on Pma1 enzyme activity.
- * To further elucidate the relationship between Pma1 activity and chronological aging in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
Main Methods:
- * Isolation and characterization of a long-lived mutant of Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
- * Genetic analysis to identify the mutation in the pma1 gene.
- * Biochemical assays to assess Pma1 enzyme activity in the mutant.
Main Results:
- * A novel mutation (Asp-138 to Asn) was identified in the essential pma1 gene.
- * This mutation led to reduced Pma1 enzyme activity.
- * The mutant exhibited a significantly increased chronological lifespan compared to wild-type yeast.
Conclusions:
- * The Asp-138 to Asn mutation in Pma1 reduces enzyme activity and extends the chronological lifespan of Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
- * This finding reinforces the critical role of Pma1 activity in regulating yeast lifespan.
- * The study provides valuable insights into the function of Pma1 and its implications for aging processes.
