Identification of a new nuclear gene (CEM1) encoding a protein homologous to a beta-keto-acyl synthase which is essential for mitochondrial respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mol Microbiol. 1993 Aug;9(3):545-55. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1993.tb01715.x.

Abstract

We have analysed a new gene, CEM1, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Inactivation of this gene leads to a respiratory-deficient phenotype. The deduced protein sequence shows strong similarities with beta-keto-acyl synthases or condensing enzymes. Typically, enzymes of this class are involved in the synthesis of fatty acids or similar molecules. An analysis of the mitochondrial lipids and fatty acids shows no major difference between the wild type and deleted strains, implying that the CEM1 gene product is not involved in the synthesis of the bulk fatty acids. Thus it is possible that the CEM1 protein is involved in the synthesis of a specialized molecule, probably related to a fatty acid, which is essential for mitochondrial respiration.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 3-Oxoacyl-(Acyl-Carrier-Protein) Synthase / genetics
  • Acyltransferases / genetics
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Compartmentation
  • Cell Nucleus
  • Chromosomes, Fungal
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Cytochromes / analysis
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Fatty Acids / analysis
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics*
  • Genes, Fungal / genetics*
  • Genetic Complementation Test
  • Lipids / analysis
  • Mitochondria / chemistry
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutagenesis, Insertional
  • Oxygen Consumption / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Phospholipids / analysis
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins*
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid

Substances

  • Cytochromes
  • Fatty Acids
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Lipids
  • Phospholipids
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Acyltransferases
  • 3-Oxoacyl-(Acyl-Carrier-Protein) Synthase
  • CEM1 protein, S cerevisiae

Associated data

  • GENBANK/UNKNOWN