Year: 2006
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Hmi1p is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial DNA helicase that is essential for the maintenance of functional mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).Hmi1p has also an effect on the replication of nonfunctional ρ -mtDNA.In both wild type and ρ -strains Hmi1p is required for processive synthesis of mtDNA.Here we show, using restriction enzyme digested ρ -mtDNAs separated in 2dimensional agarose gels, that Hmi1p stimulates specifically synthesis of one strand of mtDNA.In vitro experiments reveal that Hmi1p binds strand-and structure-specifically to ori elements in mtDNA.Based on these results we suggest that ρ -mtDNA can be replicated by a specific Hmi1p-dependent mechanism, which includes initial overproduction of one strand.
Author: Silja Kuusk
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: Tartu Ülikool, European Social Fund
OpenAlex ID: W1957055410