Sulfur metabolism actively promotes initiation of cell division in yeast.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sulfur metabolism is required for initiation of cell division, but whether or not it can actively promote cell division remains unknown.

Methodology/principal findings

Here we show that yeast cells with more mtDNA have an expanded reductive phase of their metabolic cycle and an increased sulfur metabolic flux. We also show that in wild type cells manipulations of sulfur metabolic flux phenocopy the enhanced growth rate of cells with more mtDNA. Furthermore, introduction of a hyperactive cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) allele in wild type cells accelerates initiation of DNA replication.

Conclusions/significance

Our results reveal a novel connection between a key sulfur metabolic enzyme, CBS, and the cell cycle. Since the analogous hyperactive CBS allele in

SUBMITTER: Blank HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2776973 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature