Work

The Yeast Frataxin Homologue Mediates Mitochondrial Iron Efflux

Year: 1999

Type: article

Abstract: Mutations in the nuclear gene encoding the mitochondrial protein frataxin are responsible for the neurological disorder Friedreich ataxia (FA). Yeast strains with a deletion in the frataxin homologue YFH1 accumulate excess iron in mitochondria and demonstrate mitochondrial damage. We show that in the absence of YFH1, mitochondrial damage is proportional to the concentration and duration of exposure to extracellular iron, establishing mitochondrial iron accumulation as causal to mitochondrial damage. Reintroduction of YFH1 results in the rapid export of accumulated mitochondrial iron into the cytosol as free, non-heme bound iron, demonstrating that mitochondrial iron in the yeast FA model can be made bioavailable. These results demonstrate a mitochondrial iron cycle in which Yfh1p regulates mitochondrial iron efflux.

Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.8.4497

Authors: Derek C. Radisky, Michael C. Babcock, Jerry Kaplan

Institution: University of Utah

Language: English

Topic: Mitochondrial Function and Pathology

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,430