Dynamic post-transcriptional regulation by Mrn1 links cell wall homeostasis to mitochondrial structure and function

PLoS Genet. 2021 Apr 15;17(4):e1009521. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009521. eCollection 2021 Apr.

Abstract

The RNA-binding protein Mrn1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae targets over 300 messenger RNAs, including many involved in cell wall biogenesis. The impact of Mrn1 on these target transcripts is not known, however, nor is the cellular role for this regulation. We have shown that Mrn1 represses target mRNAs through the action of its disordered, asparagine-rich amino-terminus. Its endogenous targets include the paralogous SUN domain proteins Nca3 and Uth1, which affect mitochondrial and cell wall structure and function. While loss of MRN1 has no effect on fermentative growth, we found that mrn1Δ yeast adapt more quickly to respiratory conditions. These cells also have enlarged mitochondria in fermentative conditions, mediated in part by dysregulation of NCA3, and this may explain their faster switch to respiration. Our analyses indicated that Mrn1 acts as a hub for integrating cell wall integrity and mitochondrial biosynthesis in a carbon-source responsive manner.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Wall / genetics*
  • Cell Wall / metabolism
  • Heat-Shock Proteins / genetics*
  • Homeostasis / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Mitochondria / ultrastructure
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics*
  • Organelle Biogenesis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / biosynthesis
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Heat-Shock Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • UTH1 protein, S cerevisiae