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Two GTPase isoforms, Ypt31p and Ypt32p, are essential for Golgi function in yeast
M Benli1, F Döring, D G Robinson
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.
The EMBO Journal
|December 2, 1996
Summary
Two yeast genes, YPT31 and YPT32, encode essential Ypt/Rab GTPases. Their combined disruption causes lethality, indicating a critical role in Golgi transport and protein secretion.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Monomeric GTPases of the Ypt/Rab family regulate vesicular transport in eukaryotic cells.
- These proteins are crucial for exocytosis and endocytosis pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize two novel Ypt/Rab family genes, YPT31 and YPT32, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- To elucidate the function of Ypt31p and Ypt32p in cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- Gene disruption and conditional lethality assays in yeast.
- Subcellular fractionation and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy.
- Analysis of protein secretion and vacuolar protein maturation.
Main Results:
- Disruption of both YPT31 and YPT32 resulted in lethality.
- Depletion of Ypt31p or Ypt32p led to Golgi membrane accumulation, inhibited invertase secretion, and impaired vacuolar protein maturation.
- Ypt31p was localized to Golgi-enriched membrane fractions.
Conclusions:
- Ypt31p and Ypt32p are essential for viability in yeast.
- These GTPases likely play a role in intra-Golgi transport or the formation of transport vesicles from the Golgi.
- The findings highlight the importance of Ypt/Rab GTPases in maintaining Golgi homeostasis and secretory pathway function.