Interaction between the oxa1 and rmp1 genes modulates respiratory complex assembly and life span in Podospora anserina.

ABSTRACT: A causal link between deficiency of the cytochrome respiratory pathway and life span was previously shown in the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina. To gain more insight into the relationship between mitochondrial function and life span, we have constructed a strain carrying a thermosensitive mutation of the gene oxa1. OXA1 is a membrane protein conserved from bacteria to human. The mitochondrial OXA1 protein is involved in the assembly/insertion of several respiratory complexes. We show here that oxa1 is an essential gene in P. anserina. The oxa1(ts) mutant exhibits severe defects in the respiratory complexes I and IV, which are correlated with an increased life span, a strong induction of the alternative oxidase, and a reduction in ROS production. However, there is no causal link betw

SUBMITTER: Sellem CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1449539 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature