Defects in cytochrome oxidase assembly in humans: lessons from yeast.
The biogenesis of the inner mitochondrial membrane enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is a complex process that requires the actions of ancillary proteins, collectively called assembly factors. Studies with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have provided considerable insight into the COX assembly pathway and have proven to be a fruitful model for understanding the molecular bases for inherited COX deficiencies in humans. In this review, we focus on critical steps in the COX assembly pathway. These processes are conserved from yeast to humans and are known to be involved in the etiology of human COX deficiencies. The contributions from our studies in yeast suggest that this organism remains an excellent model system for delineating the molecular mechanisms underlying COX assembly defects in humans. Current progress suggests that a complete picture of COX assembly will be achieved in the near future.
Zee
Jennifer M
JM
Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 0M2, Canada.
Glerum
D Moira
DM
D030401:Cytochrome-c Oxidase Deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D028361:Mitochondrial Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000201:enzymology*; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV