Disruption of a cystine transporter downregulates expression of genes involved in sulfur regulation and cellular respiration

In Vitro and In Vivo Models to Study Nephropathic Cystinosis

The development over the past 50 years of a variety of cell lines and animal models has provided valuable tools to understand the pathophysiology of nephropathic cystinosis. Primary cultures from patient biopsies have been instrumental in determining the primary cause of cystine accumulation in the lysosomes. Immortalised cell lines have been established using different gene constructs and have revealed a wealth of knowledge concerning the molecular mechanisms that underlie cystinosis. More recently, the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells, kidney organoids and tubuloids have helped bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo model systems. The development of genetically modified mice and rats have made it possible to explore the cystinotic phenotype in an in vivo setting. All of these models have helped shape our understanding of cystinosis and have led to the conclusion that cystine accumulation is not the only pathology that needs targeting in this multisystemic disease. This review provides an overview of the in vitro and in vivo models available to study cystinosis, how well they recapitulate the disease phenotype, and their limitations.

Influence of Redox Imbalances on the Transposition of Insertion Sequences in Deinococcus geothermalis

The transposition of insertion sequence elements was evaluated among different Deinococcus geothermalis lineages, including the wild-type, a cystine importer-disrupted mutant, a complemented strain, and a cystine importer-overexpressed strain. Cellular growth reached early exponential growth at OD₆₀₀ 2.0 and late exponential growth at OD₆₀₀ 4.0. Exposing the cells to hydrogen peroxide (80–100 mM) resulted in the transposition of insertion sequences (ISs) in genes associated with the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. Particularly, ISDge7 (an IS5 family member) and ISDge5 (an IS701 family member) from the cystine importer-disrupted mutant were transposed into phytoene desaturase (dgeo_0524) via replicative transposition. Further, the cystine importer-overexpressed strain Δdgeo_1985R showed transposition of both ISDge2 and ISDge5 elements. In contrast, IS transposition was not detected in the complementary strain. Interestingly, a cystine importer-overexpressing strain exhibited streptomycin resistance, indicating that point mutation occurred in the rpsL (dgeo_1873) gene encoding ribosomal protein S12. qRT-PCR analyses were then conducted to evaluate the expression of oxidative stress response genes, IS elements, and low-molecular-weight thiol compounds such as mycothiol and bacillithiol. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that trigger IS transposition in redox imbalance conditions remain unclear. Here, we report that the active transposition of different IS elements was affected by intracellular redox imbalances caused by cystine importer deficiencies or overexpression.

Regulation of Amino Acid Transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We review the mechanisms responsible for amino acid homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other fungi. Amino acid homeostasis is essential for cell growth and survival. Hence, the de novo synthesis reactions, metabolic conversions, and transport of amino acids are tightly regulated. Regulation varies from nitrogen pool sensing to control by individual amino acids and takes place at the gene (transcription), protein (posttranslational modification and allostery), and vesicle (trafficking and endocytosis) levels. The pools of amino acids are controlled via import, export, and compartmentalization. In yeast, the majority of the amino acid transporters belong to the APC (amino acid-polyamine-organocation) superfamily, and the proteins couple the uphill transport of amino acids to the electrochemical proton gradient. Although high-resolution structures of yeast amino acid transporters are not available, homology models have been successfully exploited to determine and engineer the catalytic and regulatory functions of the proteins. This has led to a further understanding of the underlying mechanisms of amino acid sensing and subsequent downregulation of transport. Advances in optical microscopy have revealed a new level of regulation of yeast amino acid transporters, which involves membrane domain partitioning. The significance and the interrelationships of the latest discoveries on amino acid homeostasis are put in context.

Vacuolar hydrolysis and efflux: current knowledge and unanswered questions

Hydrolysis within the vacuole in yeast and the lysosome in mammals is required for the degradation and recycling of a multitude of substrates, many of which are delivered to the vacuole/lysosome by autophagy. In humans, defects in lysosomal hydrolysis and efflux can have devastating consequences, and contribute to a class of diseases referred to as lysosomal storage disorders. Despite the importance of these processes, many of the proteins and regulatory mechanisms involved in hydrolysis and efflux are poorly understood. In this review, we describe our current knowledge of the vacuolar/lysosomal degradation and efflux of a vast array of substrates, focusing primarily on what is known in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We also highlight many unanswered questions, the answers to which may lead to new advances in the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders. Abbreviations: Ams1: α-mannosidase; Ape1: aminopeptidase I; Ape3: aminopeptidase Y; Ape4: aspartyl aminopeptidase; Atg: autophagy related; Cps1: carboxypeptidase S; CTNS: cystinosin, lysosomal cystine transporter; CTSA: cathepsin A; CTSD: cathepsin D; Cvt: cytoplasm-to-vacuole targeting; Dap2: dipeptidyl aminopeptidase B; GS-bimane: glutathione-S-bimane; GSH: glutathione; LDs: lipid droplets; MVB: multivesicular body; PAS: phagophore assembly site; Pep4: proteinase A; PolyP: polyphosphate; Prb1: proteinase B; Prc1: carboxypeptidase Y; V-ATPase: vacuolar-type proton-translocating ATPase; VTC: vacuolar transporter chaperone.

Temporal profiling of redox-dependent heterogeneity in single cells

Cellular redox status affects diverse cellular functions, including proliferation, protein homeostasis, and aging. Thus, individual differences in redox status can give rise to distinct sub-populations even among cells with identical genetic backgrounds. Here, we have created a novel methodology to track redox status at single cell resolution using the redox-sensitive probe Grx1-roGFP2. Our method allows identification and sorting of sub-populations with different oxidation levels in either the cytosol, mitochondria or peroxisomes. Using this approach, we defined a redox-dependent heterogeneity of yeast cells and characterized growth, as well as proteomic and transcriptomic profiles of distinctive redox subpopulations. We report that, starting in late logarithmic growth, cells of the same age have a bi-modal distribution of oxidation status. A comparative proteomic analysis between these populations identified three key proteins, Hsp30, Dhh1, and Pnc1, which affect basal oxidation levels and may serve as first line of defense proteins in redox homeostasis.

A Genetic Screen for Investigating the Human Lysosomal CystineTransporter, Cystinosin

Cystinosin, a lysosomal transporter is involved in the efflux of cystine from the lysosome to the cytosol. Mutations in the human cystinosin gene (CTNS) cause cystinosis, a recessive autosomal disorder. Studies on cystinosin have been limited by the absence of a robust genetic screen. In the present study we have developed a dual strategy for evaluating cystinosin function that is amenable to rapid genetic analysis. We show that human cystinosin expressed in this yeast confers growth on cystine when the protein is mistargeted to the plasma membrane by the deletion of the C-terminal targeting signal, GYQDL. We also screened a vacuolar protein sorting deletion library, and subsequently created multiple vps deletion mutants for kinetic studies. The double deletion, vps1Δvps17Δ, greatly enhanced uptake. This enabled validation by kinetic studies, including first studies on the WT CTNS protein (that contained the GYQDL motif). Using this screen we isolated several gain of function mutants, G131S/D, G309S/D, A137V, G197R, S270T, L274F and S312N showing enhanced growth on low concentrations of cystine. Kinetic analysis yielded insights into the role of the residues (including one of the patient mutations, G197R). The results indicate that the screen could be effectively used for interrogating and understanding the CTNS protein.

Respiratory stress in mitochondrial electron transport chain complex mutants of Candida albicans activates Snf1 kinase response

We have previously established that mitochondrial Complex I (CI) mutants of Candida albicans display reduced oxygen consumption, decreased ATP production, and increased reactive oxidant species (ROS) during cell growth. Using the Seahorse XF96 analyzer, the energetic phenotypes of Electron Transport Chain (ETC) complex mutants are further characterized in the current study. The underlying regulation of energetic changes in these mutants is determined in glucose and non-glucose conditions when compared to wild type (WT) cells. In parental cells, the rate of oxygen consumption remains constant for 2.5 h following the addition of glucose, oligomycin, and 2-DG, but glycolysis is highly active upon the addition of glucose. In comparison, over the same time period, electron transport complex mutants (CI, CIII and CIV) have heightened activities in both oxygen consumption and glycolysis upon glucose uptake. We refer to the response in these mutants as an "explosive respiration," which we believe is caused by low energy levels and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accompanying this phenotype in mutants is a hyperphosphorylation of Snf1p which in Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as an energetic stress response protein kinase for maintaining energy homeostasis. Compared to wild type cells, a 2.9- to 4.4-fold hyperphosphorylation of Snf1p is observed in all ETC mutants in the presence of glucose. However, the explosive respiration and hyperphosphorylation of Snf1 can be partially reduced by the replacement of glucose with either glycerol or oleic acid in a mutant-specific manner. Furthermore, Inhibitors of glutathione synthesis (BSO) or anti-oxidants (mito-TEMPO) likewise confirmed an increase of Sfn1 phosphorylation in WT or mutant due to increased levels of ROS. Our data establish the role of the C. albicans Snf1 as a surveyor of cell energy and ROS levels. We interpret the "explosive respiration" as a failed attempt by ETC mutants to restore energy and ROS homeostasis via Snf1 activation. An inherently high OCR baseline in WT C. albicans with a background level of Snf1 activation is a prerequisite for success in quickly fermenting glucose.

Exacerbating and reversing lysosomal storage diseases: from yeast to humans

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) arise from monogenic deficiencies in lysosomal proteins and pathways and are characterized by a tissue-wide accumulation of a vast variety of macromolecules, normally specific to each genetic lesion. Strategies for treatment of LSDs commonly depend on reduction of the offending metabolite(s) by substrate depletion or enzyme replacement. However, at least 44 of the ~50 LSDs are currently recalcitrant to intervention. Murine models have provided significant insights into our understanding of many LSD mechanisms; however, these systems do not readily permit phenotypic screening of compound libraries, or the establishment of genetic or gene-environment interaction networks. Many of the genes causing LSDs are evolutionarily conserved, thus facilitating the application of models system to provide additional insight into LSDs. Here, we review the utility of yeast models of 3 LSDs: Batten disease, cystinosis, and Niemann-Pick type C disease. We will focus on the translation of research from yeast models into human patients suffering from these LSDs. We will also discuss the use of yeast models to investigate the penetrance of LSDs, such as Niemann-Pick type C disease, into more prevalent syndromes including viral infection and obesity.

Cfs1p, a Novel Membrane Protein in the PQ-Loop Family, Is Involved in Phospholipid Flippase Functions in Yeast

Type 4 P-type ATPases (P4-ATPases) function as phospholipid flippases, which translocate phospholipids from the exoplasmic leaflet to the cytoplasmic leaflet of the lipid bilayer, to generate and maintain asymmetric distribution of phospholipids at the plasma membrane and endosomal/Golgi membranes. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has four heteromeric flippases (Drs2p, Dnf1p, Dnf2p, and Dnf3p), associated with the Cdc50p family noncatalytic subunit, and one monomeric flippase, Neo1p. They have been suggested to function in vesicle formation in membrane trafficking pathways, but details of their mechanisms remain to be clarified. Here, to search for novel factors that functionally interact with flippases, we screened transposon insertional mutants for strains that suppressed the cold-sensitive growth defect in the cdc50Δ mutant. We identified a mutation of YMR010W encoding a novel conserved membrane protein that belongs to the PQ-loop family including the cystine transporter cystinosin and the SWEET sugar transporters. We named this gene CFS1 (cdc fifty suppressor 1). GFP-tagged Cfs1p was partially colocalized with Drs2p and Neo1p to endosomal/late Golgi membranes. Interestingly, the cfs1Δ mutation suppressed growth defects in all flippase mutants. Accordingly, defects in membrane trafficking in the flippase mutants were also suppressed. These results suggest that Cfs1p and flippases function antagonistically in membrane trafficking pathways. A growth assay to assess sensitivity to duramycin, a phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)-binding peptide, suggested that the cfs1Δ mutation changed PE asymmetry in the plasma membrane. Cfs1p may thus be a novel regulator of phospholipid asymmetry.