A Mutation in the RNA-Binding Protein Cth2 Limits the Adaptation of a Subset of Wild Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast Strains to Iron Deficiency

Iron is an essential micronutrient for eukaryotic organisms. In response to iron deficiency, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae optimizes iron utilization by downregulating nonessential iron-dependent processes, such as mitochondrial respiration. This regulatory mechanism is mediated by a mRNA-bindi...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Valera García, Elena, Sorribes Dauden, Raquel, Puig, Sergi
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/401330
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/401330
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105012529958
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Iron deficiency
mRNA-binding
Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling
Yeast diversity
Descripción
Sumario:Iron is an essential micronutrient for eukaryotic organisms. In response to iron deficiency, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae optimizes iron utilization by downregulating nonessential iron-dependent processes, such as mitochondrial respiration. This regulatory mechanism is mediated by a mRNA-binding protein designated Cth2. In response to iron scarcity, Cth2 binds through its tandem zinc-finger (TFZ) domain to multiple mRNAs encoding proteins that are necessary for iron-dependent pathways. This binding limits the expression of these mRNAs by promoting their degradation and inhibiting their translation. In this study, we have examined a set of wild yeast strains that share a G195R mutation within the Cth2 TZF domain. By genetically editing both laboratory and wild yeast strains, we demonstrate that the Cth2-G195R protein is defective in binding and degradation of its target transcripts, and it accumulates in the nucleus of the cell, leading to a significant growth defect in iron-deficient conditions. Some of these wild yeast strains also display enhanced tolerance to high iron conditions, indicating that they have adapted to environments with elevated iron levels and have consequently diminished their capacity to grow in iron-limiting conditions. These findings highlight the crucial function of Cth2 in enabling yeast cells to adapt to iron-deficient environments.