Global transcriptional responses of fission and budding yeast to changes in copper and iron levels: a comparative study

Gabriella Rustici, Harm van Bakel*, Daniel H. Lackner, Frank Holstege, Cisca Wijmenga, Juerg Baehler, Alvis Brazma

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

52 Citations (Scopus)
106 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background Recent studies in comparative genomics demonstrate that inter-species comparisons represent a powerful tool for revealing both conserved and specialized biological processes across large evolutionary distances. All cells need to adjust to environmental fluctuations in metal levels as both too low and too high levels are detrimental. Here, we explore the conservation of metal homoeostasis in two distantly related yeasts.

Results We examined genome-wide gene expression responses to changing copper and iron levels in budding and fission yeast using DNA microarrays. The comparison reveals conservation of only a small core set of genes, defining the copper and iron regulons, with a larger number of additional genes being specific for each species. Novel regulatory targets were identified in S. pombe for Cuf1p ( pex7 and SPAC3G6.05) and Fep1p ( srx1, sib1, sib2, rds1, isu1, SPBC27B12.03c, SPAC1F8.02c, and SPBC947.05c). We also present evidence that argues against a direct role of Cuf1p in the repression of genes involved in iron uptake. Remarkable differences were detected in the responses of the two yeasts to excess copper, probably reflecting evolutionary adaptation to different environments.

Conclusions The considerable evolutionary distance between budding and fission yeast resulted in substantial diversion in the regulation of copper and iron homeostasis. Despite these differences, the conserved regulation of a core set of genes involved in the uptake of these metals provides valuable clues to key features of metal metabolism.

Original languageEnglish
Article number73
Number of pages57
JournalGenome Biology
Volume8
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Keywords

  • MAJOR FACILITATOR SUPERFAMILY
  • TRANSPORTER GENE-EXPRESSION
  • ACTIVATED PROTEIN-KINASE
  • SACCHAROMYCES-CEREVISIAE
  • SCHIZOSACCHAROMYCES-POMBE
  • MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION
  • ENVIRONMENTAL-CHANGES
  • SUPEROXIDE-DISMUTASE
  • OXIDATIVE STRESS
  • FERRIC REDUCTASE

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