Regulation of catalase synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by carbon catabolite repression

Ctt1 catalase activity potentiates antifungal azoles in the emerging opportunistic pathogen Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Fungi respond to antifungal drugs by increasing their antioxidant stress response. How this impacts antifungal efficacy remains controversial and not well understood. Here we examine the role of catalase activity in the resistance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to the common antifungals, fluconazole and miconazole, for which we report minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 104 and 19 μM, respectively. At sub-MIC concentrations, fluconazole and miconazole stimulate catalase activity 2-3-fold but, unexpectedly, deletion of cytosolic catalase (ctt1) makes cells more resistant to these azoles and to clotrimazole, itraconazole and posaconazole. On the other hand, upregulating Ctt1 activity by preconditioning with 0.2 mM H₂O₂ potentiates miconazole 32-fold and fluconazole 4-fold. Since H₂O₂ preconditioning does not alter the resistance of ctt1Δ cells, which possess negligible catalase activity, we link azole potentiation with Ctt1 upregulation. In contrast, sod2Δ cells deleted for mitochondrial superoxide dismutase are 4–8-fold more azole sensitive than wild-type cells, revealing that Sod2 activity protects cells against azole toxicity. In fact, the ctt1Δ mutant has double the Sod2 activity of wild-type cells so ctt1 deletion increases azole resistance in part by Sod2 upregulation. Notably, deletion of peroxisomal/mitochondrial cta1 or cytosolic sod1 does not alter fluconazole or miconazole potency.

Catalase activity is stimulated by H(2)O(2) in rich culture medium and is required for H(2)O(2) resistance and adaptation in yeast

Catalases are efficient scavengers of H₂O₂ and protect cells against H₂O₂ stress. Examination of the H₂O₂ stimulon in Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed that the cytosolic catalase T (Ctt1) protein level increases 15-fold on H₂O₂ challenge in synthetic complete media although previous work revealed that deletion of the CCT1 or CTA1 genes (encoding peroxisomal/mitochondrial catalase A) does not increase the H₂O₂ sensitivity of yeast challenged in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). This we attributed to our observation that catalase activity is depressed when yeast are challenged with H₂O₂ in nutrient-poor media. Hence, we performed a systematic comparison of catalase activity and cell viability of wild-type yeast and of the single catalase knockouts, ctt1∆ and cta1∆, following H₂O₂ challenge in nutrient-rich medium (YPD) and in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Ctt1 but not Cta1 activity is strongly induced by H₂O₂ when cells are challenged in YPD but suppressed when cells are challenged in buffer. Consistent with the activity results, exponentially growing ctt1∆ cells in YPD are more sensitive to H₂O₂ than wild-type or cta1∆ cells, whereas in buffer all three strains exhibit comparable H₂O₂ hypersensitivity. Furthermore, catalase activity is increased during adaptation to sublethal H₂O₂ concentrations in YPD but not in buffer. We conclude that induction of cytosolic Ctt1 activity is vital in protecting yeast against exogenous H₂O₂ but this activity is inhibited by H₂O₂ when cells are challenged in nutrient-free media.

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Ctt1 activity increases on H₂O₂ challenge in nutrient-rich medium (YPD) but not in nutrient-free buffer.

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Upregulation of Ctt1 is critical for yeast survival on H₂O₂ challenge.

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The role of inducible Ctt1 activity in stress response is masked in nutrient-free medium.

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To confirm their role in stress response, antioxidant enzyme activities should be compared for wild-type and knockout cells.

Regulation of transcription of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CYC1 gene: Identification of a DNA region involved in heme control

A Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant (hem1 cycl-1) was transformed with plasmids bearing a chromosomal centromer (CEN3) and a 2 μm DNA replication origin. In one of the plasmids a functional CYC1 gene was present, in a second plasmid an XhoI fragment located between bases -245 and -678 upstream from the translation initiation codon had been deleted, in a third plasmid this region had been inverted. Results of hybridization experiments carried out with mRNA isolated from heme-deficient and heme-containing transformants indicated that heme controls transcription of the CYC1 gene and that DNA sequences located within the upstream XhoI fragment are involved in activation of the gene by heme.

Catalase overexpression reduces lactic acid-induced oxidative stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Industrial production of lactic acid with the current pyruvate decarboxylase-negative Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains requires aeration to allow for respiratory generation of ATP to facilitate growth and, even under nongrowing conditions, cellular maintenance. In the current study, we observed an inhibition of aerobic growth in the presence of lactic acid. Unexpectedly, the cyb2Delta reference strain, used to avoid aerobic consumption of lactic acid, had a specific growth rate of 0.25 h(-1) in anaerobic batch cultures containing lactic acid but only 0.16 h(-1) in identical aerobic cultures. Measurements of aerobic cultures of S. cerevisiae showed that the addition of lactic acid to the growth medium resulted in elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To reduce the accumulation of lactic acid-induced ROS, cytosolic catalase (CTT1) was overexpressed by replacing the native promoter with the strong constitutive TPI1 promoter. Increased activity of catalase was confirmed and later correlated with decreased levels of ROS and increased specific growth rates in the presence of high lactic acid concentrations. The increased fitness of this genetically modified strain demonstrates the successful attenuation of additional stress that is derived from aerobic metabolism and may provide the basis for enhanced (micro)aerobic production of organic acids in S. cerevisiae.

A eukaryote without catalase-containing microbodies: Neurospora crassa exhibits a unique cellular distribution of its four catalases

Microbodies usually house catalase to decompose hydrogen peroxide generated within the organelle by the action of various oxidases. Here we have analyzed whether peroxisomes (i.e., catalase-containing microbodies) exist in Neurospora crassa. Three distinct catalase isoforms were identified by native catalase activity gels under various peroxisome-inducing conditions. Subcellular fractionation by density gradient centrifugation revealed that most of the spectrophotometrically measured activity was present in the light upper fractions, with an additional small peak coinciding with the peak fractions of HEX-1, the marker protein for Woronin bodies, a compartment related to the microbody family. However, neither in-gel assays nor monospecific antibodies generated against the three purified catalases detected the enzymes in any dense organellar fraction. Furthermore, staining of an N. crassa wild-type strain with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine and H(2)O(2) did not lead to catalase-dependent reaction products within microbodies. Nonetheless, N. crassa does possess a gene (cat-4) whose product is most similar to the peroxisomal type of monofunctional catalases. This novel protein indeed exhibited catalase activity, but was not localized to microbodies either. We conclude that N. crassa lacks catalase-containing peroxisomes, a characteristic that is probably restricted to a few filamentous fungi that produce little hydrogen peroxide within microbodies.

Peroxisome biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The observation that peroxisomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be induced by oleic acid has opened the possibility to investigate the biogenesis of these organelles in a biochemically and genetically well characterized organism. Only few enzymes have been identified as peroxisomal proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae so far; the three enzymes involved in beta-oxidation of fatty acids, enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle, catalase A and the PAS3 gene product have been unequivocally assigned to the peroxisomal compartment. However, more proteins are expected to be constituents of the peroxisomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mutagenesis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells gave rise to mutants unable to use oleic acid as sole carbon source. These mutants could be divided in two groups: those with defects in structural genes of beta-oxidation enzymes (fox-mutants) and those with defects in peroxisomal assembly (pas-mutants). All fox-mutants possess morphologically normal peroxisomes and can be assigned to one of three complementation groups (FOX1, 2, 3). All three FOX genes have been cloned and characterized. The pas-mutants isolated are distributed among 13 complementation groups and represent 3 different classes: peroxisomes are either morphologically not detectable (type I) or present but non-proliferating (type II). Mislocalization concerns all peroxisomal proteins in cells of these two classes. The third class of mutants contains peroxisomes normal in size and number, however, distinct peroxisomal matrix proteins are mislocalized (type III). Five additional complementation groups were found in the laboratory of H.F. Tabak. Not all PAS genes have been cloned and characterized so far, and only for few of them the function could be deduced from sequence comparisons. Proliferation of microbodies is repressed by glucose, derepressed by non-fermentable carbon sources and fully induced by oleic acid. The regulation of four genes encoding peroxisomal proteins (PAS1, CTA1, FOX2, FOX3) occurs on the transcriptional level and reflects the morphological observations: repression by glucose and induction by oleic acid. Moreover, trans-acting factors like ADR1, SNF1 and SNF4, all involved in derepression of various cellular processes, have been demonstrated to affect transcriptional regulation of genes encoding peroxisomal proteins. The peroxisomal import machinery seems to be conserved between different organisms as indicated by import of heterologous proteins into microbodies of different host cells. In addition, many peroxisomal proteins contain C-terminal targeting signals. However, more than one import route into peroxisomes does exist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Functional complementation of catalase-defective peroxisomes in a methylotrophic yeast by import of the catalase A from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A mutant of the methanol-utilizing yeast Hansenula polymorpha defective in catalase was isolated. It lacks the ability to grow on methanol as the sole source of carbon and energy due to a loss of peroxisomal function that is required for the dissimilation and assimilation of this substrate. Growth of the mutant on glucose or glycerol was not impaired. Transformation of mutant cells with the gene coding for catalase A from Saccharomyces cerevisiae [Cohen, G., Fessl, F., Traczyk, J., Rytka, J. & Ruis, H. (1985) Mol. Gen. Genet. 200, 74-79] conferred constitutive expression of catalase activity. When the gene was placed under control of the regulatory methanol oxidase promoter from H. polymorpha, high levels of activity subject to glucose repression were obtained. In both cases efficient targeting of catalase A to the heterologous peroxisomes and assembly into an active form could be demonstrated. Concomitantly, growth on methanol was restored in the transformed mutant. The results are in line with a high conservation of transport signals on peroxisomal proteins. Expression of a cytosolic catalase in H. polymorpha did not confer the ability to grow on methanol. Therefore, proper localization of the catalase activity is a prerequisite for peroxisomal function.

Biosynthesis of the peroxisomal dihydroxyacetone synthase from Hansenula polymorpha in Saccharomyces cerevisiae induces growth but not proliferation of peroxisomes

The DAS gene of Hansenula polymorpha was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under the control of different promoters. The heterologously synthesized dihydroxyacetone synthase (DHAS), a peroxisomal enzyme in H. polymorpha, shows enzymatic activity in baker's yeast. The enzyme was imported into the peroxisomes of S. cerevisiae not only under the appropriate physiological conditions for peroxisome proliferation (oleic acid media), but also in glucose-grown cells where it induced the enlargement of the few peroxisomes present. This growth process was not accompanied by an increase in the number of microbodies, which suggests a separate control mechanism for peroxisomal proliferation.

Study of the coinduction by fatty acids of catalase A and acyl-CoA oxidase in standard and mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains

Evidence is presented that Saccharomyces cerevisiae can metabolize fatty acids via the inducible peroxisomal beta-oxidation pathway even when these acids are not the sole carbon source. The fatty acids of chain length of C10-C18 induce acyl-CoA oxidase simultaneously with catalase A but have no effect on catalase T and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. The coinduction of both acyl-CoA oxidase and catalase A is recorded in strains with both active catalase A and T or displaying only catalase A activity. In mutants lacking catalase A, the induction of acyl-CoA oxidase is observed without a concomitant increase in catalase activity. After centrifugation in a linear Ficoll gradient of the particulate fraction from the cells grown on ethanol and oleate the activity of acyl-CoA oxidase cosediments with catalase A. The relationship of catalase A to acyl-CoA oxidase is discussed.

Properties of catalase activity in vegetative and sporulating cells of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Properties of catalase activities have been examined in the intact cells of early stationary phase and cells 3 hr after transfer to sporulation medium in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The catalase activities of the two cells had a broad optimal pH from 6 to 8. Catalase activity in the intact cells increased throughout a 4-hr period of the observation following transfer to sporulation medium. Almost all the catalase activity in vegetative cells was lost by the treatment at 60 degrees C for 10 min. Catalase activities of both cells were inhibited by KCN, NaN3, o-phenanthroline, and PCMB. The catalase activity of the vegetative cells was slightly more inhibited and inactivated than that of the sporulating cells by the inhibitors and by the treatment with HCl or NaOH.

Is hydroxyl radical generated by the Fenton reaction in vivo?

Yeast mutants deficient in activities of cytosolic superoxide dismutase and catalase A and T were exposed to four different kinds of oxygen stress. The response of the cells contradicts suggestions, that hydroxyl radical is formed in vivo through the Fenton reaction. The results suggest that superoxide radicals are directly responsible for cytotoxic effects of oxygen.

Isolation of the catalase A gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by complementation of the cta1 mutation

As a first step in an analysis of the DNA regions involved in the control of the catalase A gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by glucose, heme, and oxygen this gene has been cloned. Catalase A-deficient mutants were obtained by UV mutagenesis of a ctt1 mutant strain specifically lacking catalase T. All the catalase A-deficient mutants obtained fall into one complementation group. The single recessive mutation causing specific lack of catalase A was designated cta1. Several overlapping DNA fragments complementing the cta1 mutation were obtained by transforming ctt1 cta1 double mutants with a yeast gene library in vector YEp13. Hybrid selection of RNA with the help of one of the cloned DNAs followed by in vitro translation of this RNA and identification of the protein synthesized with catalase A-specific antibodies showed that the catalase A structural gene has been cloned. A single copy of this gene is present in the yeast genome. Transcription of the catalase A gene cloned into vector YEp13 is repressed by glucose. The DNA isolated hybridizes to a 1.6 kb polyA+-RNA virtually absent from heme-deficient cells, presumably catalase A mRNA.

Isolation of the catalase T structural gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by functional complementation

The catalase T structural gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cloned by functional complementation of a mutation causing specific lack of the enzyme (cttl). Catalase T-deficient mutants were obtained by UV mutagenesis of an S. cerevisiae strain bearing the cas1 mutation, which causes insensitivity of catalase T to glucose repression. Since the second catalase protein of S. cerevisiae, catalase A, is completely repressed on 10% glucose, catalase T-deficient mutant colonies could be detected under such conditions. A cttl mutant was transformed with an S. cerevisiae gene library in plasmid YEp13. Among the catalase T-positive clones, four contained overlapping DNA fragments according to restriction analysis. Hybridization selection of yeast mRNA binding specifically to one of the cloned DNAs, translation of this mRNA in cell-free protein synthesis systems, and demonstration of catalase T protein formation by specific immunoadsorption showed that the catalase T structural gene had been cloned. By subcloning, the gene was located within a 3.5-kilobase S. cerevisiae DNA fragment. As in wild-type cells, catalase T synthesis in cttl mutant cells transformed with plasmids containing this fragment is sensitive to glucose repression. By DNA-RNA hybridization, catalase T transcripts were shown to be present in oxygen-adapting cells but absent from heme-deficient cells.

Isolation of the catalase T structural gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by functional complementation

The catalase T structural gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cloned by functional complementation of a mutation causing specific lack of the enzyme (cttl). Catalase T-deficient mutants were obtained by UV mutagenesis of an S. cerevisiae strain bearing the cas1 mutation, which causes insensitivity of catalase T to glucose repression. Since the second catalase protein of S. cerevisiae, catalase A, is completely repressed on 10% glucose, catalase T-deficient mutant colonies could be detected under such conditions. A cttl mutant was transformed with an S. cerevisiae gene library in plasmid YEp13. Among the catalase T-positive clones, four contained overlapping DNA fragments according to restriction analysis. Hybridization selection of yeast mRNA binding specifically to one of the cloned DNAs, translation of this mRNA in cell-free protein synthesis systems, and demonstration of catalase T protein formation by specific immunoadsorption showed that the catalase T structural gene had been cloned. By subcloning, the gene was located within a 3.5-kilobase S. cerevisiae DNA fragment. As in wild-type cells, catalase T synthesis in cttl mutant cells transformed with plasmids containing this fragment is sensitive to glucose repression. By DNA-RNA hybridization, catalase T transcripts were shown to be present in oxygen-adapting cells but absent from heme-deficient cells.

Regulation of synthesis of catalases and iso-1-cytochrome c in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by glucose, oxygen and heme

The regulation of the hemoproteins catalase T, catalase A and iso-1-cytochrome c was studied in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Levels of catalase T and catalase A mRNAs are low or undetectable in anaerobic and heme-deficient cells, and in wild type strains grown on high glucose concentrations. Regulatory mutants (cgr4 and cas1), which have previously been shown to have high catalase T activity when grown in the absence of oxygen or on high glucose concentrations, have high levels of catalase T mRNA when grown under glucose repression conditions. Whereas no catalase T mRNA could be detected in a heme-deficient (ole3) single mutant, double mutants (ole3 cgr4) and (ole3 cas1) contain mature catalase T mRNA. Catalase T and A mRNAs are accumulated rapidly during adaptation of anaerobic cells to oxygen. Anaerobic and heme-deficient cells lack or have extremely low levels of iso-1-cytochrome c mRNA, which, like catalase mRNAs, is accumulated rapidly during oxygen adaptation. The results obtained demonstrate that glucose, oxygen and heme regulate the synthesis of the hemoproteins studied by controlling mRNA levels. In addition, posttranscriptional, probably translational control has to be postulated at least in the case of catalases, to explain the results obtained.

Effect of mitochondrial functions on synthesis of yeast cytochrome c

The effects of the mitochondrial protein synthesis inhibitor chloramphenicol and the mitochondrial F0 adenosine triphosphatase inhibitor oligomycin on the synthesis of nucleus-encoded cytochrome c protein were studied. Both inhibitors stimulated cytochrome c protein synthesis in the derepressed state (growth in media containing 2% raffinose) but had no effect on the synthesis of the cytochrome c protein in the repressed state (growth in media containing 5% glucose). Oligomycin uncoupled the synthesis of the apoprotein from its processing into the hemoprotein. Neither antibiotic had a significant effect on the rate of glucose repression of cytochrome protein synthesis. The kinetics of cytochrome c derepression and the effects of these two antibiotics on these kinetics were also studied. Cells were derepressed by transfer from glucose- to faffinose-containing media, and the rate of cytochrome c synthesis increased from the repressed to the derepressed level during the second hour of derepression. Chloramphenicol delayed this derepression, but after 5 h the rate of cytochrome c protein synthesis increased to twice the rate of synthesis in uninhibited cells. On the other hand, oligomycin inhibited derepression of cytochrome c. These results are discussed with respect to the effects of mitochondrial function in the derepressed and repressed states and during the processes of repression and derepression of cytochrome c.