title: The MEF2 gene is essential for yeast longevity, with a dual role in cell respiration and maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential.
abstract: The Saccharomyces cerevisiae MEF2 gene is a mitochondrial protein translation factor. Formerly believed to catalyze peptide elongation, evidence now suggests its involvement in ribosome recycling. This study confirms the role of the MEF2 gene for cell respiration and further uncovers a slow growth phenotype and reduced chronological lifespan. Furthermore, in comparison with cytoplasmic ρ(0) strains, mef2Δ strains have a marked reduction of the inner mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondria show a tendency to aggregate, suggesting an additional role for the MEF2 gene in maintenance of mitochondrial health, a role that may also be shared by other mitochondrial protein synthesis factors.
authors.affiliation: Sansom Institute for Health Research and School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Callegari
authors.forename: Ross A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: McKinnon
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: de Barros Lopes
mesh_terms: D002455:Cell Division / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics; D020043:Genes, Essential; D053078:Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009154:Mutation; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D010445:Peptide Elongation Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; C559871:MEF2 protein, S cerevisiae; D010445:Peptide Elongation Factors; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins