Human anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins protect yeast cells from aging induced oxidative stress

Aging is a degenerative, biological, and time-dependent process that affects all organisms. Yeast aging is a physiological phenomenon characterized by the progressive transformation of yeast cells, resulting in modifications to their viability and vitality. Aging in yeast cells is comparable to that in higher organisms in some respects; however, due to their straightforward and well-characterized genetic makeup, these cells present unique advantages when it comes to researching the aging process. Here, we assessed the impact of human anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins on aging using a yeast model. The findings clearly showed that these proteins exhibited remarkable anti-aging properties in yeast cells. Our data indicate that the presence of both proteins enhanced the reproductive survival of aging cells, likely by effecting the components functioning as both pro- and anti-oxidants, depending on the stage of yeast cell lifespan. Both proteins partially protected yeast cells from aging-related morphological deformations and cellular damage during the aging period. In particular, Bcl-xL expressing yeast cells reached the maximum activity levels for almost all of the major antioxidant enzymes and the total antioxidant status on the 8th day of lifespan and could provide effective protection at the latest stage of the investigated aging period. The chemometric data analysis of IR spectra confirmed the findings of the morphological and biochemical analyses. In this regard, specifically, understanding the mechanism of action on the cellular redox state of Bcl-xL in yeast may facilitate comprehension of its indirect antioxidant function in higher eukaryotes.