Proteasomal degradation of Rpn4 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is critical for cell viability under stressed conditions

Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of the Isolated Candida tropicalis with Enhanced Tolerance of Furfural Inhibitor

The Candida tropicalis (C. tropicalis) named YB-3 was isolated by the Atmospheric and room temperature plasma mutagenesis from 6.5 g/L furfural tolerance. The comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of YB-3 was performed. During the stress of furfural treatment, C. tropicalis YB-3 protected cells from oxidative stress damage by increasing the accumulation of the glutathione reductase gene and the expression of antioxidant enzymes, with the enhancement of the inositol phosphate synthase to maintain the structural integrity and transport function of the inner membrane system, thereby affecting the cells' tolerance. Through the gene knockout and exogenous verification, it was further confirmed that the pathways involved in the three genes of sulfate adenosine transferase gene, glutathione reductase gene, and inositol phosphate synthase gene had significant effects on improving the tolerance of the strain to furfural. The deep excavation of furfural-tolerant gene components and directional modification of C. tropicalis to enhance tolerance are key steps for improving the utilization rate of biomass.

Yeast aging from a dynamic systems perspective: Analysis of single cell trajectories reveals significant interplay between nuclear size scaling, proteasome dynamics, and mitochondrial morphology

Yeast replicative aging is cell autonomous and thus a good model for mechanistic study from a dynamic systems perspective. Utilizing an engineered strain of yeast with a switchable genetic program to arrest daughter cells (without affecting mother cell divisions) and a high throughput microfluidic device, we systematically analyze the dynamic trajectories of thousands of single yeast mother cells throughout their lifespan, using fluorescent reporters that cover a range of biological processes, including some major aging hallmarks. We found that the markers of proteostasis stand out as most predictive of the lifespan of individual cells. In particular, nuclear proteasome concentration at middle age is a good predictor. We found that cell size (measured by area) grows linearly with time, and that nuclear size grows in proportion to maintain isometric scaling in young cells. As the cells become older, their nuclear size increases faster than linear and isometric size scaling breaks down. We observed that proteasome concentration in the nucleus exhibits dynamics very different from that in cytoplasm, with much more rapid decrease during aging; such dynamic behavior can be accounted for by the change of nuclear size in a simple mathematical model of transport. We hypothesize that the gradual increase of cell size and the associated nuclear size increase lead to the dilution of important nuclear factors (such as proteasome) that drives aging. We also show that perturbing proteasome changes mitochondria morphology and function, but not vice versa, potentially placing the change of proteosome upstream of the change of mitochondrial phenotypes. Our study produced large scale single cell dynamic data that can serve as a valuable resource for the aging research community to analyze the dynamics of other markers and potential causal relations between them. It is also a useful resource for building and testing physics/AI based models that identify early dynamics events predictive of lifespan and can be targets for longevity interventions.

Boosting succinic acid production of Yarrowia lipolytica at low pH through enhancing product tolerance and glucose metabolism

BACKGROUND

Succinic acid (SA) is an important bio-based C4 platform chemical with versatile applications, including the production of 1,4-butanediol, tetrahydrofuran, and γ-butyrolactone. The non-conventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has garnered substantial interest as a robust cell factory for SA production at low pH. However, the high concentrations of SA, especially under acidic conditions, can impose significant stress on microbial cells, leading to reduced glucose metabolism viability and compromised production performance. Therefore, it is important to develop Y. lipolytica strains with enhanced SA tolerance for industrial-scale SA production.

RESULTS

An SA-tolerant Y. lipolytica strain E501 with improved SA production was obtained through adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). In a 5-L bioreactor, the evolved strain E501 produced 89.62 g/L SA, representing a 7.2% increase over the starting strain Hi-SA2. Genome resequencing and transcriptome analysis identified a mutation in the 26S proteasome regulatory subunit Rpn1, as well as genes involved in transmembrane transport, which may be associated with enhanced SA tolerance. By further fine-tuning the glycolytic pathway flux, the highest SA titer of 112.54 g/L to date at low pH was achieved, with a yield of 0.67 g/g glucose and a productivity of 2.08 g/L/h.

CONCLUSION

This study provided a robust engineered Y. lipolytica strain capable of efficiently producing SA at low pH, thereby reducing the cost of industrial SA fermentation.

The functional role of Ire1 in regulating autophagy and proteasomal degradation under prolonged proteotoxic stress

Inhibition of endoribonuclease/kinase Ire1 has shown beneficial effects in many proteotoxicity-induced pathology models. The mechanism by which this occurs has not been elucidated completely. Using a proteotoxic yeast model of Huntington's disease, we show that the deletion of Ire1 led to lower protein aggregation at longer time points. The rate of protein degradation was higher in ΔIre1 cells. We monitored the two major protein degradation mechanisms in the cell. The increase in expression of Rpn4, coding for the transcription factor controlling proteasome biogenesis, was higher in ΔIre1 cells. The chymotrypsin-like proteasomal activity was also significantly enhanced in these cells at later time points of aggregation. The gene and protein expression levels of the autophagy gene Atg8 were higher in ΔIre1 than in wild-type cells. Significant increase in autophagy flux was also seen in ΔIre1 cells at later time points of aggregation. The results suggest that the deletion of Ire1 activates UPR-independent arms of the proteostasis network, especially under conditions of aggravated stress. Thus, the inhibition of Ire1 may regulate UPR-independent cellular stress-response pathways under prolonged stress.

Assembly chaperone Nas6 selectively destabilizes 26S proteasomes with defective regulatory particle-core particle interfaces

The 26S proteasome is a 66-subunit-chambered protease present in all eukaryotes that maintains organismal health by degrading unneeded or defective proteins. Defects in proteasome function or assembly are known to contribute to the development of various cancers, neurodegeneration, and diabetes. During proteasome biogenesis, a family of evolutionarily conserved chaperones assembles a hexameric ring of AAA+ family ATPase subunits contained within the proteasomal regulatory particle (RP) and guide their docking onto the surface of the proteolytic core particle (CP). This RP-CP interaction couples the substrate capture and unfolding process to proteolysis. We previously reported a mutation in the proteasome that promoted dissociation of the RP and CP by one of these chaperones, Nas6. However, the nature of the signal for Nas6-dependent proteasome disassembly and the generality of this postassembly proteasome quality control function for Nas6 remain unknown. Here, we use structure-guided mutagenesis and in vitro proteasome disassembly assays to demonstrate that Nas6 more broadly destabilizes 26S proteasomes with a defective RP-CP interface. We show that Nas6 can promote dissociation of mature proteasomes into RP and CP in cells harboring defects on either side of the RP-CP interface. This function is unique to Nas6 and independent from other known RP assembly chaperones. Further biochemical experiments suggest that Nas6 may exploit a weakened RP-CP interface to dissociate the RP from the CP. We propose that this postassembly role of Nas6 may fulfill a quality control function in cells by promoting the recycling of functional subcomplexes contained within defective proteasomes.

The Nrf1 transcription factor is induced by patulin and protects against patulin cytotoxicity

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by a variety of molds that is found in various food products. The adverse health effects associated with exposure to patulin has led to many investigations into the biological basis driving the toxicity of patulin. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which mammalian cells resists patulin-mediated toxicity is poorly understood. Here, we show that loss of the Nrf1 transcription factor renders cells sensitive to the acute cytotoxic effects of patulin. Nrf1 deficiency leads to accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and protein aggregates in response to patulin exposure. Nrf1 expression is induced by patulin, and activation of proteasome genes by patulin is Nrf1-dependent. These findings suggest the Nrf1 transcription factor plays a crucial role in modulating cellular stress response against patulin cytotoxicity.

Interaction with the Assembly Chaperone Ump1 Promotes Incorporation of the β7 Subunit into Half-Proteasome Precursor Complexes Driving Their Dimerization

Biogenesis of the eukaryotic 20S proteasome core particle (PC) is a complex process assisted by specific chaperones absent from the active complex. The first identified chaperone, Ump1, was found in a precursor complex (PC) called 15S PC. Yeast cells lacking Ump1 display strong defects in the autocatalytic processing of β subunits, and consequently have lower proteolytic activity. Here, we dissect an important interaction of Ump1 with the β7 subunit that is critical for proteasome biogenesis. Functional domains of Ump1 and the interacting proteasome subunit β7 were mapped, and the functional consequences of their deletion or mutation were analyzed. Cells in which the first sixteen Ump1 residues were deleted display growth phenotypes similar to ump1∆, but massively accumulate 15S PC and distinct proteasome intermediate complexes containing the truncated protein. The viability of these cells depends on the transcription factor Rpn4. Remarkably, β7 subunit overexpression re-established viability in the absence of Rpn4. We show that an N-terminal domain of Ump1 and the propeptide of β7 promote direct interaction of the two polypeptides in vitro. This interaction is of critical importance for the recruitment of β7 precursor during proteasome assembly, a step that drives dimerization of 15S PCs and the formation of 20S CPs.

Up-regulation of ubiquitin-proteasome activity upon loss of NatA-dependent N-terminal acetylation

Inactivation of N-terminal acetyltransferase A is found to alter Rpn4 as well as E3 ligase abundance, causing up-regulation of Ubiquitin–proteasome activity. In this context, Tom1 is also identified as a novel chain-elongating enzyme of the UFD-pathway.

N-terminal acetylation is a prominent protein modification, and inactivation of N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs) cause protein homeostasis stress. Using multiplexed protein stability profiling with linear ubiquitin fusions as reporters for the activity of the ubiquitin proteasome system, we observed increased ubiquitin proteasome system activity in NatA, but not NatB or NatC mutants. We find several mechanisms contributing to this behavior. First, NatA-mediated acetylation of the N-terminal ubiquitin–independent degron regulates the abundance of Rpn4, the master regulator of the expression of proteasomal genes. Second, the abundance of several E3 ligases involved in degradation of UFD substrates is increased in cells lacking NatA. Finally, we identify the E3 ligase Tom1 as a novel chain-elongating enzyme (E4) involved in the degradation of linear ubiquitin fusions via the formation of branched K11, K29, and K48 ubiquitin chains, independently of the known E4 ligases involved in UFD, leading to enhanced ubiquitination of the UFD substrates.

Characterizing the role of the zinc finger transcription factor AcrpnR in governing development in Aspergillus cristatus

Filamentous fungi reproduce sexually or asexually, and the developmental processes are strictly regulated by a variety of transcription factors. In this study, we characterized a zinc finger transcription factor, called AcrpnR, in Aspergillus cristatus (GME2916). The ∆AcrpnR strain exhibited decreased asexual reproduction and increased cleistothecium production. The complementation strain showed restoration of these phenotypic differences. Overexpression of AcrpnR resulted in enhanced asexual development and delayed and inhibited sexual reproduction, suggesting that AcrpnR is required for proper asexual and sexual development in A. cristatus. In addition, AcrpnR positively regulated the expression of genes of the central regulatory pathway of conidiation and negatively regulated the expression of sex-related genes. Overall, these results demonstrate that AcrpnR is essential for maintaining a balance between asexual and sexual development.

Stress modulation as a means to improve yeasts for lignocellulose bioconversion

The second-generation (2G) fermentation environment for lignocellulose conversion presents unique challenges to the fermentative organism that do not necessarily exist in other industrial fermentations. While extreme osmotic, heat, and nutrient starvation stresses are observed in sugar- and starch-based fermentation environments, additional pre-treatment-derived inhibitor stress, potentially exacerbated by stresses such as pH and product tolerance, exist in the 2G environment. Furthermore, in a consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) context, the organism is also challenged to secrete enzymes that may themselves lead to unfolded protein response and other stresses. This review will discuss responses of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to 2G-specific stresses and stress modulation strategies that can be followed to improve yeasts for this application. We also explore published -omics data and discuss relevant rational engineering, reverse engineering, and adaptation strategies, with the view of identifying genes or alleles that will make positive contributions to the overall robustness of 2G industrial strains. KEYPOINTS: • Stress tolerance is a key driver to successful application of yeast strains in biorefineries. • A wealth of data regarding stress responses has been gained through omics studies. • Integration of this knowledge could inform engineering of fit for purpose strains.

Adaptability of the ubiquitin-proteasome system to proteolytic and folding stressors

Aging, disease, and environmental stressors are associated with failures in the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), yet a quantitative understanding of how stressors affect the proteome and how the UPS responds is lacking. Here we assessed UPS performance and adaptability in yeast under stressors using quantitative measurements of misfolded substrate stability and stress-dependent UPS regulation by the transcription factor Rpn4. We found that impairing degradation rates (proteolytic stress) and generating misfolded proteins (folding stress) elicited distinct effects on the proteome and on UPS adaptation. Folding stressors stabilized proteins via aggregation rather than overburdening the proteasome, as occurred under proteolytic stress. Still, the UPS productively adapted to both stressors using separate mechanisms: proteolytic stressors caused Rpn4 stabilization while folding stressors increased RPN4 transcription. In some cases, adaptation completely prevented loss of UPS substrate degradation. Our work reveals the distinct effects of proteotoxic stressors and the versatility of cells in adapting the UPS.

A proteome-integrated, carbon source dependent genetic regulatory network in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Integrated regulatory networks can be powerful tools to examine and test properties of cellular systems, such as modelling environmental effects on the molecular bioeconomy, where protein levels are altered in response to changes in growth conditions. Although extensive regulatory pathways and protein interaction data sets exist which represent such networks, few have formally considered quantitative proteomics data to validate and extend them. We generate and consider such data here using a label-free proteomics strategy to quantify alterations in protein abundance for S. cerevisiae when grown on minimal media using glucose, galactose, maltose and trehalose as sole carbon sources. Using a high quality-controlled subset of proteins observed to be differentially abundant, we constructed a proteome-informed network, comprising 1850 transcription factor interactions and 37 chaperone interactions, which defines the major changes in the cellular proteome when growing under different carbon sources. Analysis of the differentially abundant proteins involved in the regulatory network pointed to their significant roles in specific metabolic pathways and function, including glucose homeostasis, amino acid biosynthesis, and carbohydrate metabolic process. We noted strong statistical enrichment in the differentially abundant proteome of targets of known transcription factors associated with stress responses and altered carbon metabolism. This shows how such integrated analysis can lend further experimental support to annotated regulatory interactions, since the proteomic changes capture both magnitude and direction of gene expression change at the level of the affected proteins. Overall this study highlights the power of quantitative proteomics to help define regulatory systems pertinent to environmental conditions.

Yeast Rpn4 Links the Proteasome and DNA Repair via RAD52 Regulation

Environmental and intracellular factors often damage DNA, but multiple DNA repair pathways maintain genome integrity. In yeast, the 26S proteasome and its transcriptional regulator and substrate Rpn4 are involved in DNA damage resistance. Paradoxically, while proteasome dysfunction may induce hyper-resistance to DNA-damaging agents, Rpn4 malfunction sensitizes yeasts to these agents. Previously, we proposed that proteasome inhibition causes Rpn4 stabilization followed by the upregulation of Rpn4-dependent DNA repair genes and pathways. Here, we aimed to elucidate the key Rpn4 targets responsible for DNA damage hyper-resistance in proteasome mutants. We impaired the Rpn4-mediated regulation of candidate genes using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and tested the sensitivity of mutant strains to 4-NQO, MMS and zeocin. We found that the separate or simultaneous deregulation of 19S or 20S proteasome subcomplexes induced MAG1, DDI1, RAD23 and RAD52 in an Rpn4-dependent manner. Deregulation of RAD23, DDI1 and RAD52 sensitized yeast to DNA damage. Genetic, epigenetic or dihydrocoumarin-mediated RAD52 repression restored the sensitivity of the proteasome mutants to DNA damage. Our results suggest that the Rpn4-mediated overexpression of DNA repair genes, especially RAD52, defines the DNA damage hyper-resistant phenotype of proteasome mutants. The developed yeast model is useful for characterizing drugs that reverse the DNA damage hyper-resistance phenotypes of cancers.

Dynamic Regulation of the 26S Proteasome: From Synthesis to Degradation

All eukaryotes rely on selective proteolysis to control the abundance of key regulatory proteins and maintain a healthy and properly functioning proteome. Most of this turnover is catalyzed by the 26S proteasome, an intricate, multi-subunit proteolytic machine. Proteasomes recognize and degrade proteins first marked with one or more chains of poly-ubiquitin, the addition of which is actuated by hundreds of ligases that individually identify appropriate substrates for ubiquitylation. Subsequent proteasomal digestion is essential and influences a myriad of cellular processes in species as diverse as plants, fungi and humans. Importantly, dysfunction of 26S proteasomes is associated with numerous human pathologies and profoundly impacts crop performance, thus making an understanding of proteasome dynamics critically relevant to almost all facets of human health and nutrition. Given this widespread significance, it is not surprising that sophisticated mechanisms have evolved to tightly regulate 26S proteasome assembly, abundance and activity in response to demand, organismal development and stress. These include controls on transcription and chaperone-mediated assembly, influences on proteasome localization and activity by an assortment of binding proteins and post-translational modifications, and ultimately the removal of excess or damaged particles via autophagy. Intriguingly, the autophagic clearance of damaged 26S proteasomes first involves their modification with ubiquitin, thus connecting ubiquitylation and autophagy as key regulatory events in proteasome quality control. This turnover is also influenced by two distinct biomolecular condensates that coalesce in the cytoplasm, one attracting damaged proteasomes for autophagy, and the other reversibly storing proteasomes during carbon starvation to protect them from autophagic clearance. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge regarding the dynamic regulation of 26S proteasomes at all stages of their life cycle, illustrating how protein degradation through this proteolytic machine is tightly controlled to ensure optimal growth, development and longevity.

Proteotoxicity from aberrant ribosome biogenesis compromises cell fitness

To achieve maximal growth, cells must manage a massive economy of ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) and RNAs (rRNAs) to produce thousands of ribosomes every minute. Although ribosomes are essential in all cells, natural disruptions to ribosome biogenesis lead to heterogeneous phenotypes. Here, we model these perturbations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and show that challenges to ribosome biogenesis result in acute loss of proteostasis. Imbalances in the synthesis of r-proteins and rRNAs lead to the rapid aggregation of newly synthesized orphan r-proteins and compromise essential cellular processes, which cells alleviate by activating proteostasis genes. Exogenously bolstering the proteostasis network increases cellular fitness in the face of challenges to ribosome assembly, demonstrating the direct contribution of orphan r-proteins to cellular phenotypes. We propose that ribosome assembly is a key vulnerability of proteostasis maintenance in proliferating cells that may be compromised by diverse genetic, environmental, and xenobiotic perturbations that generate orphan r-proteins.

Cells are made up of thousands of different proteins that perform unique roles required for life. To create all of these proteins, cells use machines called ribosomes that are partly formed of elements known as r-proteins. When cells grow and divide, the ribosomes have to make copies of themselves through a process called ribosome biogenesis.

Although all cells need ribosomes, certain types of cells are especially sensitive to events that interfere with ribosome biogenesis. For example, patients that have mutations in genes needed for ribosome biogenesis produce fewer red blood cells, but their other cells and tissues are mostly healthy. It is not clear why some cells are more sensitive than others.

Ribosome biogenesis is very similar between different organisms, so researchers often use budding yeast as a model to study the process. Here, Tye et al. used genetic and chemical tools to interfere with ribosome biogenesis on short time scales, which made it possible to detect early on what was going wrong in the cells.

The experiments found that when ribosome biogenesis was disrupted, r-proteins that were waiting to be assembled into ribosomes quickly stuck to one another and formed clumps that reduced the ability of the yeast cells to grow. The cells responded by switching on a protein called Hsf1, which restored their ability to grow. Yeast cells that were growing quickly, and therefore making more ribosomes, were more sensitive to abnormal ribosome biogenesis than slow-growing cells.

These results indicate that how actively a cell is growing, and its ability to cope with r-proteins sticking together, may in part explain why certain cells are more vulnerable to events that interfere with ribosome biogenesis. Since human cells also have Hsf1, future experiments could investigate whether turning it on might also protect fast-growing human cells from such events.

Importance of Proteasome Gene Expression during Model Dough Fermentation after Preservation of Baker's Yeast Cells by Freezing

Freeze-thaw stress causes various types of cellular damage, survival and/or proliferation defects, and metabolic alterations. However, the mechanisms underlying how cells cope with freeze-thaw stress are poorly understood. Here, model dough fermentations using two baker's yeast strains, 45 and YF, of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were compared after 2 weeks of cell preservation in a refrigerator or freezer. YF exhibited slow fermentation after exposure to freeze-thaw stress due to low cell viability. A DNA microarray analysis of the YF cells during fermentation revealed that the genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation were relatively strongly expressed, suggesting a decrease in the glycolytic capacity. Furthermore, we found that mRNA levels of the genes that encode the components of the proteasome complex were commonly low, and ubiquitinated proteins were accumulated by freeze-thaw stress in the YF strain. In the cells with a laboratory strain background, treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 or the deletion of each transcriptional activator gene for the proteasome genes (RPN4, PDR1, or PDR3) led to marked impairment of model dough fermentation using the frozen cells. Based on these data, proteasomal degradation of freeze-thaw-damaged proteins may guarantee high cell viability and fermentation performance. We also found that the freeze-thaw stress-sensitive YF strain was heterozygous at the PDR3 locus, and one of the alleles (A148T/A229V/H336R/L541P) was shown to possess a dominant negative phenotype of slow fermentation. Removal of such responsible mutations could improve the freeze-thaw stress tolerance and the fermentation performance of baker's yeast strains, as well as other industrial S. cerevisiae strains.IMPORTANCE The development of freezing technology has enabled the long-term preservation and long-distance transport of foods and other agricultural products. Fresh yeast, however, is usually not frozen because the fermentation performance and/or the viability of individual cells is severely affected after thawing. Here, we demonstrate that proteasomal degradation of ubiquitinated proteins is an essential process in the freeze-thaw stress responses of S. cerevisiae Upstream transcriptional activator genes for the proteasome components are responsible for the fermentation performance after freezing preservation. Thus, this study provides a potential linkage between freeze-thaw stress inputs and the transcriptional regulatory network that might be functionally conserved in higher eukaryotes. Elucidation of the molecular targets of freeze-thaw stress will contribute to advances in cryobiology, such as freezing preservation of human cells, tissues, and embryos for medical purposes and breeding of industrial microorganisms and agricultural crops that adapt well to low temperatures.

Understanding the tolerance of the industrial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae against a major class of toxic aldehyde compounds

Development of the next-generation biocatalyst is vital for fermentation-based industrial applications and a sustainable bio-based economy. Overcoming the major class of toxic compounds associated with lignocellulose-to-biofuels conversion is one of the significant challenges for new strain development. A significant number of investigations have been made to understand mechanisms of the tolerance for industrial yeast. It is humbling to learn how complicated the cell's response to the toxic chemicals is and how little we have known about yeast tolerance in the universe of the living cell. This study updates our current knowledge on the tolerance of industrial yeast against aldehyde inhibitory compounds at cellular, molecular and the genomic levels. It is comprehensive yet specific based on reproducible evidence and cross confirmed findings from different investigations using varied experimental approaches. This research approaches a rational foundation toward a more comprehensive understanding on the yeast tolerance. Discussions and perspectives are also proposed for continued exploring the puzzle of the yeast tolerance to aid the next-generation biocatalyst development.

Induction of proteotoxic stress by the mycotoxin patulin

Patulin is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by a number of molds and may contaminate a wide variety of food products. In practice, patulin's main societal relevance concerns apple juice and its products. Multiple advisory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, recommend that producers monitor and limit patulin levels in apple juice products. The mechanism of patulin toxicity remains largely unknown. Here we show that patulin induces proteotoxic stress in the yeast S. cerevisiae. The transcription factor Rpn4 controls the abundance of the proteasome, the complex multisubunit protease that destroys proteins, including misfolded proteins. Rpn4 protein is strongly induced by patulin, and Rpn4 levels normalize over time, consistent with homeostatic regulation. A rpn4Δ mutant is highly sensitive to patulin, confirming the physiologic relevance of this response. Rpn4 is known to be regulated both transcriptionally and post-translationally. Patulin induces both pathways of regulation, but the post-transcriptional pathway predominates in controlling Rpn4 protein levels. These results indicate that proteotoxicity represents a major aspect of patulin toxicity. They not only have implications for patulin detoxification but in addition suggest the possibility of some potentially useful patulin applications.

A new source of resistance to 2-furaldehyde from Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis for sustainable lignocellulose-to-biofuel conversion

Aldehyde inhibitory compounds derived from lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment have been identified as a major class of toxic chemicals that interfere with microbial growth and subsequent fermentation for advanced biofuel production. Development of robust next-generation biocatalyst is a key for a low-cost biofuel production industry. Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis is a naturally occurring C-5 sugar utilization yeast; however, little is known about the genetic background underlying its potential tolerance to biomass conversion inhibitors. We investigated and identified five uncharacterized putative aryl-alcohol dehydrogenase genes (SsAADs) from this yeast as a new source of resistance against biomass fermentation inhibitor 2-furaldehyde (furfural) by gene expression, gene cloning, and direct enzyme assay analysis using partially purified proteins. All five proteins from S. stipitis showed furfural reduction using cofactor NADH. An optimum active temperature was observed at 40 °C for SsAad1p; 30 °C for SsAad3p, SsAad4p, and SsAad5p; and 20 °C for SsAad2p. SsAad2p, SsAad3p, and SsAad4p showed tolerance to a wide range of pH from 4.5 to 8, but SsAad1p and SsAad5p were sensitive to pH changes beyond 7. Genes SsAAD2, SsAAD3, and SsAAD4 displayed significantly enhanced higher levels of expression in response to the challenge of furfural. Their encoding proteins also showed higher levels of specific activity toward furfural and were suggested as core functional enzymes contributing aldehyde resistance in S. stipitis.

An Inducible System for Rapid Degradation of Specific Cellular Proteins Using Proteasome Adaptors

A common way to study protein function is to deplete the protein of interest from cells and observe the response. Traditional methods involve disrupting gene expression but these techniques are only effective against newly synthesized proteins and leave previously existing and stable proteins untouched. Here, we introduce a technique that induces the rapid degradation of specific proteins in mammalian cells by shuttling the proteins to the proteasome for degradation in a ubiquitin-independent manner. We present two implementations of the system in human culture cells that can be used individually to control protein concentration. Our study presents a simple, robust, and flexible technology platform for manipulating intracellular protein levels.

ChiNet uncovers rewired transcription subnetworks in tolerant yeast for advanced biofuels conversion

Analysis of rewired upstream subnetworks impacting downstream differential gene expression aids the delineation of evolving molecular mechanisms. Cumulative statistics based on conventional differential correlation are limited for subnetwork rewiring analysis since rewiring is not necessarily equivalent to change in correlation coefficients. Here we present a computational method ChiNet to quantify subnetwork rewiring by statistical heterogeneity that enables detection of potential genotype changes causing altered transcription regulation in evolving organisms. Given a differentially expressed downstream gene set, ChiNet backtracks a rewired upstream subnetwork from a super-network including gene interactions known to occur under various molecular contexts. We benchmarked ChiNet for its high accuracy in distinguishing rewired artificial subnetworks, in silico yeast transcription-metabolic subnetworks, and rewired transcription subnetworks for Candida albicans versus Saccharomyces cerevisiae, against two differential-correlation based subnetwork rewiring approaches. Then, using transcriptome data from tolerant S. cerevisiae strain NRRL Y-50049 and a wild-type intolerant strain, ChiNet identified 44 metabolic pathways affected by rewired transcription subnetworks anchored to major adaptively activated transcription factor genes YAP1, RPN4, SFP1 and ROX1, in response to toxic chemical challenges involved in lignocellulose-to-biofuels conversion. These findings support the use of ChiNet in rewiring analysis of subnetworks where differential interaction patterns resulting from divergent nonlinear dynamics abound.

A genomic screen revealing the importance of vesicular trafficking pathways in genome maintenance and protection against genotoxic stress in diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells

The ability to survive stressful conditions is important for every living cell. Certain stresses not only affect the current well-being of cells but may also have far-reaching consequences. Uncurbed oxidative stress can cause DNA damage and decrease cell survival and/or increase mutation rates, and certain substances that generate oxidative damage in the cell mainly act on DNA. Radiomimetic zeocin causes oxidative damage in DNA, predominantly by inducing single- or double-strand breaks. Such lesions can lead to chromosomal rearrangements, especially in diploid cells, in which the two sets of chromosomes facilitate excessive and deleterious recombination. In a global screen for zeocin-oversensitive mutants, we selected 133 genes whose deletion reduces the survival of zeocin-treated diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. The screen revealed numerous genes associated with stress responses, DNA repair genes, cell cycle progression genes, and chromatin remodeling genes. Notably, the screen also demonstrated the involvement of the vesicular trafficking system in cellular protection against DNA damage. The analyses indicated the importance of vesicular system integrity in various pathways of cellular protection from zeocin-dependent damage, including detoxification and a direct or transitional role in genome maintenance processes that remains unclear. The data showed that deleting genes involved in vesicular trafficking may lead to Rad52 focus accumulation and changes in total DNA content or even cell ploidy alterations, and such deletions may preclude proper DNA repair after zeocin treatment. We postulate that functional vesicular transport is crucial for sustaining an integral genome. We believe that the identification of numerous new genes implicated in genome restoration after genotoxic oxidative stress combined with the detected link between vesicular trafficking and genome integrity will reveal novel molecular processes involved in genome stability in diploid cells.

Break-seq reveals hydroxyurea-induced chromosome fragility as a result of unscheduled conflict between DNA replication and transcription

We have previously demonstrated that in Saccharomyces cerevisiae replication, checkpoint inactivation via a mec1 mutation leads to chromosome breakage at replication forks initiated from virtually all origins after transient exposure to hydroxyurea (HU), an inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase. Here we sought to determine whether all replication forks containing single-stranded DNA gaps have equal probability of producing double-strand breaks (DSBs) when cells attempt to recover from HU exposure. We devised a new methodology, Break-seq, that combines our previously described DSB labeling with next generation sequencing to map chromosome breaks with improved sensitivity and resolution. We show that DSBs preferentially occur at genes transcriptionally induced by HU. Notably, different subsets of the HU-induced genes produced DSBs in MEC1 and mec1 cells as replication forks traversed a greater distance in MEC1 cells than in mec1 cells during recovery from HU. Specifically, while MEC1 cells exhibited chromosome breakage at stress-response transcription factors, mec1 cells predominantly suffered chromosome breakage at transporter genes, many of which are the substrates of those transcription factors. We propose that HU-induced chromosome fragility arises at higher frequency near HU-induced genes as a result of destabilized replication forks encountering transcription factor binding and/or the act of transcription. We further propose that replication inhibitors can induce unscheduled encounters between replication and transcription and give rise to distinct patterns of chromosome fragile sites.

The amazing ubiquitin-proteasome system: structural components and implication in aging

Proteome quality control (PQC) is critical for the maintenance of cellular functionality and it is assured by the curating activity of the proteostasis network (PN). PN is constituted of several complex protein machines that under conditions of proteome instability aim to, firstly identify, and then, either rescue or degrade nonnative polypeptides. Central to the PN functionality is the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) which is composed from the ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes and the proteasome; the latter is a sophisticated multi-subunit molecular machine that functions in a bimodal way as it degrades both short-lived ubiquitinated normal proteins and nonfunctional polypeptides. UPS is also involved in PQC of the nucleus, the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria and it also interacts with the other main cellular degradation axis, namely the autophagy-lysosome system. UPS functionality is optimum in the young organism but it is gradually compromised during aging resulting in increasing proteotoxic stress; these effects correlate not only with aging but also with most age-related diseases. Herein, we present a synopsis of the UPS components and of their functional alterations during cellular senescence or in vivo aging. We propose that mild UPS activation in the young organism will, likely, promote antiaging effects and/or suppress age-related diseases.

The 26S proteasome and initiation of gene transcription

Transcription activation is the foremost step of gene expression and is modulated by various factors that act in synergy. Misregulation of this process and its associated factors has severe effects and hence requires strong regulatory control. In recent years, growing evidence has highlighted the 26S proteasome as an important contributor to the regulation of transcription initiation. Well known for its role in protein destruction, its contribution to protein synthesis was initially viewed with skepticism. However, studies over the past several years have established the proteasome as an important component of transcription initiation through proteolytic and non-proteolytic activities. In this review, we discuss findings made so far in understanding the connections between transcription initiation and the 26S proteasome complex.

The central domain of yeast transcription factor Rpn4 facilitates degradation of reporter protein in human cells

Despite high interest in the cellular degradation machinery and protein degradation signals (degrons), few degrons with universal activity along species have been identified. It has been shown that fusion of a target protein with a degradation signal from mammalian ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) induces fast proteasomal degradation of the chimera in both mammalian and yeast cells. However, no degrons from yeast-encoded proteins capable to function in mammalian cells were identified so far. Here, we demonstrate that the yeast transcription factor Rpn4 undergoes fast proteasomal degradation and its central domain can destabilize green fluorescent protein and Alpha-fetoprotein in human HEK 293T cells. Furthermore, we confirm the activity of this degron in yeast. Thus, the Rpn4 central domain is an effective interspecies degradation signal.

A role for the proteasome in the turnover of Sup35p and in [PSI(+) ] prion propagation

Yeast prions are superb models for understanding the mechanisms of self-perpetuating protein aggregates formation. [PSI(+) ] stands among the most documented yeast prions and results from self-assembly of the translation termination factor Sup35p into protein fibrils. A plethora of cellular factors were shown to affect [PSI(+) ] formation and propagation. Clearance of Sup35p prion particles is however poorly understood and documented. Here, we investigated the role of the proteasome in the degradation of Sup35p and in [PSI(+) ] prion propagation. We found that cells lacking the RPN4 gene, which have reduced intracellular proteasome pools, accumulated Sup35p and have defects in [PSI(+) ] formation and propagation. Sup35p is degraded in vitro by the 26S and 20S proteasomes in a ubiquitin-independent manner, generating an array of amyloidogenic peptides derived from its prion-domain. We also demonstrate the formation of a proteasome-resistant fragment spanning residues 83-685 which is devoid of the prion-domain that is essential for [PSI(+) ] propagation. Most important was the finding that the 26S and 20S proteasomes degrade Sup35p fibrils in vitro and abolish their infectivity. Our results point to an overlooked role of the proteasome in clearing toxic protein aggregates, and have important implications for a better understanding of the life cycle of infectious protein assemblies.

Nuclear import factor Srp1 and its associated protein Sts1 couple ribosome-bound nascent polypeptides to proteasomes for cotranslational degradation

Cotranslational protein degradation plays an important role in protein quality control and proteostasis. Although ubiquitylation has been suggested to signal cotranslational degradation of nascent polypeptides, cotranslational ubiquitylation occurs at a low level, suggesting the existence of an alternative route for delivery of nascent polypeptides to the proteasome. Here we report that the nuclear import factor Srp1 (also known as importin α or karyopherin α) is required for ubiquitin-independent cotranslational degradation of the transcription factor Rpn4. We further demonstrate that cotranslational protein degradation is generally impaired in the srp1-49 mutant. Srp1 binds nascent polypeptides emerging from the ribosome. The association of proteasomes with polysomes is weakened in srp1-49. The interaction between Srp1 and the proteasome is mediated by Sts1, a multicopy suppressor of srp1-49. The srp1-49 and sts1-2 mutants are hypersensitive to stressors that promote protein misfolding, underscoring the physiological function of Srp1 and Sts1 in degradation of misfolded nascent polypeptides. This study unveils a previously unknown role for Srp1 and Sts1 in cotranslational protein degradation and suggests a novel model whereby Srp1 and Sts1 cooperate to couple proteasomes to ribosome-bound nascent polypeptides.

Cuz1/Ynl155w, a zinc-dependent ubiquitin-binding protein, protects cells from metalloid-induced proteotoxicity

Protein misfolding is a universal threat to cells. The ubiquitin-proteasome system mediates a cellular stress response capable of eliminating misfolded proteins. Here we identify Cuz1/Ynl155w as a component of the ubiquitin system, capable of interacting with both the proteasome and Cdc48. Cuz1/Ynl155w is regulated by the transcription factor Rpn4, and is required for cells to survive exposure to the trivalent metalloids arsenic and antimony. A related protein, Yor052c, shows similar phenotypes, suggesting a multicomponent stress response pathway. Cuz1/Ynl155w functions as a zinc-dependent ubiquitin-binding protein. Thus, Cuz1/Ynl155w is proposed to protect cells from metalloid-induced proteotoxicity by delivering ubiquitinated substrates to Cdc48 and the proteasome for destruction.

Msn2 coordinates a stoichiometric gene expression program

BACKGROUND

Many cellular processes operate in an "analog" regime in which the magnitude of the response is precisely tailored to the intensity of the stimulus. In order to maintain the coherence of such responses, the cell must provide for proportional expression of multiple target genes across a wide dynamic range of induction states. Our understanding of the strategies used to achieve graded gene regulation is limited.

RESULTS

In this work, we document a relationship between stress-responsive gene expression and the transcription factor Msn2 that is graded over a large range of Msn2 concentrations. We use computational modeling and in vivo and in vitro analyses to dissect the roots of this relationship. Our studies reveal a simple and general strategy based on noncooperative low-affinity interactions between Msn2 and its cognate binding sites as well as competition over a large number of Msn2 binding sites in the genome relative to the number of Msn2 molecules.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to enabling precise tuning of gene expression to the state of the environment, this strategy ensures colinear activation of target genes, allowing for stoichiometric expression of large groups of genes without extensive promoter tuning. Furthermore, such a strategy enables precise modulation of the activity of any given promoter by addition of binding sites without altering the qualitative relationship between different genes in a regulon. This feature renders a given regulon highly "evolvable."

High-throughput genetic and gene expression analysis of the RNAPII-CTD reveals unexpected connections to SRB10/CDK8

The C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) is composed of heptapeptide repeats, which play a key regulatory role in gene expression. Using genetic interaction, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by microarrays (ChIP-on-chip) and mRNA expression analysis, we found that truncating the CTD resulted in distinct changes to cellular function. Truncating the CTD altered RNAPII occupancy, leading to not only decreases, but also increases in mRNA levels. The latter were largely mediated by promoter elements and in part were linked to the transcription factor Rpn4. The mediator subunit Cdk8 was enriched at promoters of these genes, and its removal not only restored normal mRNA and RNAPII occupancy levels, but also reduced the abnormally high cellular amounts of Rpn4. This suggested a positive role of Cdk8 in relationship to RNAPII, which contrasted with the observed negative role at the activated INO1 gene. Here, loss of CDK8 suppressed the reduced mRNA expression and RNAPII occupancy levels of CTD truncation mutants.

Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of the effects of metal nanoparticle exposure on the transcriptome of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The widespread use of nanoparticles (NPs) raises concern over their potential toxicological effects in humans and ecosystems. Here we used transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) to evaluate the effects of exposure to four different metal-based NPs, nano-Ag (nAg), nano-TiO2 (nTiO2), nano-ZnO (nZnO), and CdTe/CdS quantum dots (QDs), in the eukaryotic green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The transcriptome was characterized before and after exposure to each NP type. Specific toxicological effects were inferred from the functions of genes whose transcripts either increased or decreased. Data analysis resulted in important differences and also similarities among the NPs. Elevated levels of transcripts of several marker genes for stress were observed, suggesting that only nZnO caused nonspecific global stress to the cells under environmentally relevant conditions. Genes with photosynthesis-related functions were decreased drastically during exposure to nTiO2 and slightly during exposures to the other NP types. This pattern suggests either toxicological effects in the chloroplast or effects that mimic a transition from low to high light. nAg exposure dramatically elevated the levels of transcripts encoding known or predicted components of the cell wall and the flagella, suggesting that it damages structures exposed to the external milieu. Exposures to nTiO2, nZnO, and QDs elevated the levels of transcripts encoding subunits of the proteasome, suggesting proteasome inhibition, a phenomenon believed to underlie the development and progression of several major diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, and used in chemotherapy against multiple myeloma.

Investigating host dependence of xylose utilization in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains using RNA-seq analysis

BACKGROUND

Xylose-based ethanol production by recombinant S. cerevisiae is of great interest to basic and applied bioenergy research. By expressing three different fungal pathways in two S. cerevisiae hosts respectively, we found that the xylose utilization efficiency by recombinant S. cerevisiae depends not only on the choice of xylose pathway but also on the choice of host, exhibiting an obvious host or context dependence. To investigate molecular mechanisms of this context dependence, we applied RNA-seq analysis in this study for a systematic characterization of the xylose utilization via different pathways in different S. cerevisiae hosts.

RESULTS

Based on the RNA-seq analysis, the transcripts that were regulated during xylose utilization have been identified. Three transcription factors involved in regulation of amino acid metabolism, responses to oxidative stresses, and degradation of aggregated proteins, respectively, were found to participate in xylose metabolism regulation regardless of which pathway was expressed and which host the xylose pathway was expressed in. Nine transcription factors, involved in homeostasis, regulation of amino acid metabolism, and stress responses, were identified as the key modules responsible for the host-specific responses to the same xylose pathway. In addition, the transcriptional regulations of xylose utilization in different yeast hosts were compared to two reference regulation patterns, which indicated that diverse regulation strategies were adopted by different hosts for improved xylose utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first transcriptomic study of the host dependence of xylose utilization in S. cerevisiae. Both the conserved regulatory modules for xylose metabolism and the key modules responsible for host dependence were identified. As indicated by the functions of the conserved transcription factors involved in xylose metabolism regulation, the xylose utilization in recombinant S. cerevisiae may be affected by both carbohydrate metabolism regulation and stress responses. Based on the comparison of transcriptional regulation patterns, the metabolic optimizations of xylose utilization in different hosts went toward different directions, which may explain the host dependence observed in this study. The knowledge revealed by this study could provide valuable insights towards the improvement of metabolic engineering strategies for cellulosic ethanol production.

Synergistic effects of TOR and proteasome pathways on the yeast transcriptome and cell growth

The proteasome has been implicated in gene transcription through a variety of mechanisms. How the proteasome regulates genome-wide transcription in relation to nutrient signalling pathways is largely unknown. Using chemical inhibitors to compromise the functions of the proteasome and/or TORC1, we reveal that the proteasome and TORC1 synergistically promote the expression of de novo purine and amino acid biosynthetic genes, and restrict the transcription of those associated with proteolysis, starvation and stress responses. Genetic analysis demonstrates that TORC1 negatively regulates both the Yak1 and Rim15 kinases to modulate starvation-specific gene expression mediated by the Msn2/4 and Gis1 transcription factors. Compromising proteasome function induces starvation-specific gene transcription in exponential-phase cells and abrogates the strict control of such expression by Yak1 and Rim15 in rapamycin-treated cells, confirming that the proteasome functions to ensure stringent control of the starvation response by the TOR pathway. Synergy between the two pathways is also exhibited on cell growth control. Rpn4-dependent upregulation of proteasomal genes and a catalytically competent 20S proteasome are essential for yeast cells to respond to reduced TORC1 activity. These data suggest that the proteasome and the TOR signalling pathway synergistically regulate a significant portion of the genome to coordinate cell growth and starvation response.

Protein damage, repair and proteolysis

Proteins are continuously affected by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Damaged proteins influence several intracellular pathways and result in different disorders and diseases. Aggregation of damaged proteins depends on the balance between their generation and their reversal or elimination by protein repair systems and degradation, respectively. With regard to protein repair, only few repair mechanisms have been evidenced including the reduction of methionine sulfoxide residues by the methionine sulfoxide reductases, the conversion of isoaspartyl residues to L-aspartate by L-isoaspartate methyl transferase and deglycation by phosphorylation of protein-bound fructosamine by fructosamine-3-kinase. Protein degradation is orchestrated by two major proteolytic systems, namely the lysosome and the proteasome. Alteration of the function for both systems has been involved in all aspects of cellular metabolic networks linked to either normal or pathological processes. Given the importance of protein repair and degradation, great effort has recently been made regarding the modulation of these systems in various physiological conditions such as aging, as well as in diseases. Genetic modulation has produced promising results in the area of protein repair enzymes but there are not yet any identified potent inhibitors, and, to our knowledge, only one activating compound has been reported so far. In contrast, different drugs as well as natural compounds that interfere with proteolysis have been identified and/or developed resulting in homeostatic maintenance and/or the delay of disease progression.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Protein modifications provide cells with exquisite temporal and spatial control of protein function. Ubiquitin is among the most important modifiers, serving both to target hundreds of proteins for rapid degradation by the proteasome, and as a dynamic signaling agent that regulates the function of covalently bound proteins. The diverse effects of ubiquitylation reflect the assembly of structurally distinct ubiquitin chains on target proteins. The resulting ubiquitin code is interpreted by an extensive family of ubiquitin receptors. Here we review the components of this regulatory network and its effects throughout the cell.

The CCAAT box-binding transcription factor NF-Y regulates basal expression of human proteasome genes

Protein degradation by the proteasome plays an important role in all major cellular pathways. Aberrant proteasome activity is associated with numerous human diseases including cancer and neurological disorders, but the underlying mechanism is virtually unclear. At least part of the reason for this is due to lack of understanding of the regulation of human proteasome genes. In this study, we found that a large set of human proteasome genes carry the CCAAT box in their promoters. We further demonstrated that the basal expression of these CCAAT box-containing proteasome genes is regulated by the transcription factor NF-Y. Knockdown of NF-YA, an essential subunit of NF-Y, reduced proteasome gene expression and compromised the cellular proteasome activity. In addition, we showed that knockdown of NF-YA sensitized breast cancer cells to the proteasome inhibitor MG132. This study unveils a new role for NF-Y in the regulation of human proteasome genes and suggests that NF-Y may be a potential target for cancer therapy.

Structure of the proteasome

The ubiquitin-proteasomal system is an essential element of the protein quality control machinery in cells. The central part of this system is the 20S proteasome. The proteasome is a barrel-shaped multienzyme complex, containing several active centers hidden at the inner surface of the hollow cylinder. So, the regulation of the substrate entry toward the inner proteasomal surface is a key control mechanism of the activity of this protease. This chapter outlines the knowledge on the structure of the subunits of the 20S proteasome, the binding and structure of some proteasomal regulators and inducible proteasomal subunits. Therefore, this chapter imparts the knowledge on proteasomal structure which is required for the understanding of the following chapters.

Post-transcriptional fine-tuning of COP9 signalosome subunit biosynthesis is regulated by the c-Myc/Lin28B/let-7 pathway

The COP9 signalosome (CSN) complex controls protein degradation via the ubiquitin (Ub) proteasome system (UPS) in eukaryotes. In mammalian cells, the multimeric CSN is composed of eight subunits (CSN1 - CSN8). It regulates cullin-RING Ub ligases (CRLs), which target essential regulatory proteins for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. Thereby, the CSN cooperates with the UPS in a variety of essential cellular functions, including DNA repair, cell cycle and differentiation. Although functions of the CSN have been elucidated, mechanisms and regulatory principles of its de novo formation are completely unknown. Here, we show that there is a fundamental mechanism that allows a coordinated expression of all CSN subunits, a prerequisite for CSN assembly. CSN subunit mRNAs are targets of miRNAs of the let-7 family suppressing CSN subunit expression in human cells. Factors that reduce or block let-7 miRNAs induce the coordinated expression of CSN subunits. For instance, over-expression of CSN1 specifically traps let-7a-1 miRNA and elevates CSN subunit levels by two- to fourfold in a coordinated manner. CSN subunit expression is also increased by specific miRNA inhibitors or by interferon (IFN)-mediated induction of STAT1 and c-Myc reducing levels of let-7 miRNAs. Activation of STAT1 by IFNα or IFNγ induces c-Myc, which increases CSN subunit expression via the Lin28B/let-7 regulatory pathway. By contrast, a let-7a-1 mimic reduces CSN subunit expression. Our data show that let-7 miRNAs control the fine-tuning and coordinated expression of subunits for CSN de novo formation, presumably a general regulatory principle for other Zomes complexes as well.

Feedback regulation of proteasome gene expression and its implications in cancer therapy

Proteasomal protein degradation is one of the major regulatory mechanisms in the cell. Aberrant proteasome activity is directly related to the pathogenesis of many human diseases including cancers. How proteasome homeostasis is controlled is a fundamental question toward our understanding of proteasome dysregulation in cancer cells. The recent discovery of the Rpn4-proteasome negative feedback circuit provides mechanistic insight into the regulation of proteasome gene expression. This finding also has important implications in cancer therapy that uses small molecule inhibitors to target the proteasome.

Comparative transcriptome profiling analyses during the lag phase uncover YAP1, PDR1, PDR3, RPN4, and HSF1 as key regulatory genes in genomic adaptation to the lignocellulose derived inhibitor HMF for Saccharomyces cerevisiae

BACKGROUND

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is able to adapt and in situ detoxify lignocellulose derived inhibitors such as furfural and HMF. The length of lag phase for cell growth in response to the inhibitor challenge has been used to measure tolerance of strain performance. Mechanisms of yeast tolerance at the genome level remain unknown. Using systems biology approach, this study investigated comparative transcriptome profiling, metabolic profiling, cell growth response, and gene regulatory interactions of yeast strains and selective gene deletion mutations in response to HMF challenges during the lag phase of growth.

RESULTS

We identified 365 candidate genes and found at least 3 significant components involving some of these genes that enable yeast adaptation and tolerance to HMF in yeast. First, functional enzyme coding genes such as ARI1, ADH6, ADH7, and OYE3, as well as gene interactions involved in the biotransformation and inhibitor detoxification were the direct driving force to reduce HMF damages in cells. Expressions of these genes were regulated by YAP1 and its closely related regulons. Second, a large number of PDR genes, mainly regulated by PDR1 and PDR3, were induced during the lag phase and the PDR gene family-centered functions, including specific and multiple functions involving cellular transport such as TPO1, TPO4, RSB1, PDR5, PDR15, YOR1, and SNQ2, promoted cellular adaptation and survival in order to cope with the inhibitor stress. Third, expressed genes involving degradation of damaged proteins and protein modifications such as SHP1 and SSA4, regulated by RPN4, HSF1, and other co-regulators, were necessary for yeast cells to survive and adapt the HMF stress. A deletion mutation strain Δrpn4 was unable to recover the growth in the presence of HMF.

CONCLUSIONS

Complex gene interactions and regulatory networks as well as co-regulations exist in yeast adaptation and tolerance to the lignocellulose derived inhibitor HMF. Both induced and repressed genes involving diversified functional categories are accountable for adaptation and energy rebalancing in yeast to survive and adapt the HMF stress during the lag phase of growth. Transcription factor genes YAP1, PDR1, PDR3, RPN4, and HSF1 appeared to play key regulatory rules for global adaptation in the yeast S. cerevisiae.

Inhibition of proteasomal degradation of rpn4 impairs nonhomologous end-joining repair of DNA double-strand breaks

BACKGROUND

The proteasome homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is regulated by a negative feedback circuit in which the transcription factor Rpn4 induces the proteasome genes and is rapidly degraded by the assembled proteasome. The integrity of the Rpn4-proteasome feedback loop is critical for cell viability under stressed conditions. We have demonstrated that inhibition of Rpn4 degradation sensitizes cells to DNA damage, particularly in response to high doses of DNA damaging agents. The underlying mechanism, however, remains unclear.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Using yeast genetics and biochemical approach we show that inhibition of Rpn4 degradation displays a synthetic growth defect with deletion of the MEC1 checkpoint gene and sensitizes several checkpoint mutants to DNA damage. In addition, inhibition of Rpn4 degradation leads to a defect in repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs) by nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ). The expression levels of several key NHEJ genes are downregulated and the recruitment of Yku70 to a DSB is reduced by inhibition of Rpn4 degradation. We find that Rpn4 and the proteasome are recruited to a DSB, suggesting their direct participation in NHEJ. Inhibition of Rpn4 degradation may result in a concomitant delay of release of Rpn4 and the proteasome from a DSB.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides the first evidence for the role of proteasomal degradation of Rpn4 in NHEJ.