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Belgareh-Touze, N.

Publications and source records attributed to Belgareh-Touze, N..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

A constricted mitochondrial morphology optimizes respiration.

Mitochondria assemble in a dynamic tubular network with a morphology governed by mitochondrial fusion and fission, which regulate all mitochondrial functions including oxidative phosphorylation 1-4. Yet, the link between mitochondrial morphology and respiration remains unclear 5-9. Here, we discover a previously unknown mitochondrial morphology dedicated to respiratory growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which we refer to as "Ringo". The Ringo morphology is characterized by stable constrictions of mitochondrial tubules. Ringo constrictions are mediated by the yeast dynamin Dnm1 and, unlike mitochondrial fission 10-12, occur in the absence of contacts with the endoplasmic reticulum. Our data show that the Ringo morphology regulates mitochondrial DNA homeostasis during respiration to ensure stoichiometric assembly of OXPHOS complexes, demonstrating that the shape of mitochondria actively contributes to optimal respiration. One-Sentence Summary: We report a new mitochondrial morphology that actively contributes to optimal respiration in yeast.

cell biology↗

The DEAD-box RNA helicase Ded1 from yeast is associated with the signal recognition particle and is regulated by SRP21

The DEAD-box RNA helicase Ded1 is an essential yeast protein involved in translation initiation. It belongs to the DDX3 subfamily of proteins implicated in developmental and cell-cycle regulation. In vitro, the purified Ded1 protein is an ATP-dependent RNA binding protein and an RNA-dependent ATPase, but it lacks RNA substrate specificity and enzymatic regulation. Here we demonstrate by yeast genetics, in situ localization and in vitro biochemical approaches that Ded1 is associated with, and regulated by, the signal recognition particle (SRP), which is a universally conserved ribonucleoprotein complex required for the co-translational translocation of polypeptides into the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and membrane. Ded1 is physically associated with SRP components in vivo and in vitro. Ded1 is genetically linked with SRP proteins. Finally, the enzymatic activity of Ded1 is inhibited by SRP21 with SCR1 RNA. We propose a model where Ded1 actively participates in the translocation of proteins during translation. Our results open a new comprehension of the cellular role of Ded1 during translation.

biochemistry↗