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Published on: May 4, 2016
The Dep1 protein: A new regulator of mitophagy in yeast
Nadine Camougrand1, Pierre Vigié2, Jim Dompierre1
1CNRS, UMR5095, 1 rue Camille Saint-Saëns, 33077, Bordeaux cedex, France; Université de Bordeaux, UMR5095, 1 rue Camille Saint-Saëns, 33077, Bordeaux cedex, France.
Abstract:
Mitochondria play a crucial role in most eukaryotic cells. Mitophagy is a process that controls their quality and quantity within the cells. The outer mitochondrial membrane protein, Atg32, serves as the mitophagic receptor. It interacts with the Atg11 protein to initiate mitophagy and with the Atg8 protein to ensure the engulfment of mitochondria into the autophagosomes for elimination. The Atg32 protein is regulated at the transcriptional level but also by posttranslational modifications. In this study, we described a new regulator of mitophagy, the protein Dep1, identified as a part of the Rpd3L histone deacetylase complex. We showed that the Dep1 protein is localized in the nucleus and associated with mitochondria. This protein is needed for mitophagy and to regulate the transcription and expression of the Atg32 protein. The absence of this protein affects the mitophagy process induced by either starvation for nitrogen or the stationary phase of growth.
Insights
Dep1, a novel regulator of mitophagy, controls mitochondrial quality by modulating Atg32 expression. Its absence impairs mitophagy during starvation and stationary growth phases.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mitochondria are vital organelles in eukaryotic cells, requiring quality control through mitophagy.
- Mitophagy, the selective removal of damaged mitochondria, is mediated by receptors like Atg32.
- Atg32 interacts with Atg11 and Atg8 to initiate and execute mitophagy, respectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel regulators of mitophagy.
- To investigate the role of the Dep1 protein in the mitophagy pathway.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which Dep1 influences Atg32 expression and mitophagy.
Main Methods:
- Identification of Dep1 as part of the Rpd3L histone deacetylase complex.
- Subcellular localization studies of Dep1 (nucleus and mitochondria).
- Analysis of mitophagy induction under starvation and stationary phase conditions in wild-type and Dep1-deficient cells.
Main Results:
- Dep1 is a novel regulator essential for mitophagy.
- Dep1 associates with mitochondria and regulates the transcription and expression of the Atg32 protein.
- Depletion of Dep1 significantly impairs mitophagy induced by nitrogen starvation or during the stationary phase.
Conclusions:
- Dep1 plays a critical role in regulating mitophagy, likely through its influence on Atg32.
- Dep1's dual localization and association with a histone deacetylase complex suggest complex regulatory mechanisms.
- Further research into Dep1's function can uncover new therapeutic targets for mitochondrial dysfunction.
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