Dual Mutations Reveal Interactions Between Components of Oxidative Phosphorylation in Kluyveromyces lactis

Abstract

Abstract Loss of mtDNA or mitochondrial protein synthesis cannot be tolerated by wild-type Kluyveromyces lactis. The mitochondrial function responsible for ρ0-lethality has been identified by disruption of nuclear genes encoding electron transport and F0-ATP synthase components of oxidative phosphorylation. Sporulation of diploid strains heterozygous for disruptions in genes for the two components of oxidative phosphorylation results in the formation of nonviable spores inferred to contain both disruptions. Lethality of spores is thought to result from absence of a transmembrane potential, ΔΨ, across the mitochondrial inner membrane due to lack of proton pumping by the electron transport chain or reversal of F1F0-ATP synthase. Synergistic lethality, caused by disruption of nuclear genes, or ρ0-lethality can be suppressed by the atp2.1 mutation in the β-subunit of F1-ATPase. Suppression is viewed as occurring by an increased hydrolysis of ATP by mutant F1, allowing sufficient electrogenic exchange by the translocase of ADP in the matrix for ATP in the cytosol to maintain ΔΨ. In addition, lethality of haploid strains with a disruption of AAC encoding the ADP/ATP translocase can be suppressed by atp2.1. In this case suppression is considered to occur by mutant F1 acting in the forward direction to partially uncouple ATP production, thereby stimulating respiration and relieving detrimental hyperpolarization of the inner membrane. Participation of the ADP/ATP translocase in suppression of ρ0-lethality is supported by the observation that disruption of AAC abolishes suppressor activity of atp2.1.