Journal Article

Tether mutations that restore function and suppress pleiotropic phenotypes of the C. elegans isp-1(qm150) Rieske iron–sulfur protein

Li, Zhongyu, Peters, Rebecca, Dong, Cindy, Crofts, Antony R., Morgan, Phil G., Wasko, Brian M., Pitt, Jason N., Tonge, Ashley, Kayser, Ernst-Bernhard, Sedensky, Margaret M., Kaeberlein, Matt, Jafari, Gholamali, Schurman, Nathan

2015

Overview

SignificanceMitochondrial function is critical for health and longevity. Mutation of the highly conserved Rieske iron–sulfur subunit (ISP-1) of complex III in the respiratory chain results in pleiotropic phenotypes in Caenorhabditis elegans, including delayed development and increased lifespan. We identified intragenic mutations within a conserved 6-aa tether region of ISP-1. These suppressors are capable of suppressing all of the phenotypes associated with the isp-1(qm150) mutation. We further demonstrated that this mutation/suppressor relationship is conserved in the Rieske iron–sulfur protein (Rip1) of yeast complex III. These findings provide insights into conserved features of the structure and function of this protein, and allow us to propose a unique “spring-loaded” mechanism to account for these effects, supported by empirical physicochemical data. Mitochondria play an important role in numerous diseases as well as normative aging. Severe reduction in mitochondrial function contributes to childhood disorders such as Leigh Syndrome, whereas mild disruption can extend the lifespan of model organisms. The Caenorhabditis elegans isp-1 gene encodes the Rieske iron–sulfur protein subunit of cytochrome c oxidoreductase (complex III of the electron transport chain). The partial loss of function allele, isp-1(qm150), leads to several pleiotropic phenotypes. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of ISP-1 function, we sought to identify genetic suppressors of the delayed development of isp-1(qm150) animals. Here we report a series of intragenic suppressors, all located within a highly conserved six amino acid tether region of ISP-1. These intragenic mutations suppress all of the evaluated isp-1(qm150) phenotypes, including developmental rate, pharyngeal pumping rate, brood size, body movement, activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response reporter, CO2 production, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and lifespan extension. Furthermore, analogous mutations show a similar effect when engineered into the budding yeast Rieske iron–sulfur protein Rip1, revealing remarkable conservation of the structure–function relationship of these residues across highly divergent species. The focus on a single subunit as causal both in generation and in suppression of diverse pleiotropic phenotypes points to a common underlying molecular mechanism, for which we propose a “spring-loaded” model. These observations provide insights into how gating and control processes influence the function of ISP-1 in mediating pleiotropic phenotypes including developmental rate, movement, sensitivity to stress, and longevity.

• Publisher: National Academy of Sciences
• Subject: Amino acids / Animals / Biological Sciences / Caenorhabditis elegans / Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins - chemistry / Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins - genetics / Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins - physiology / Cell Biology / Clutch Size - genetics / Electron Transport Complex III - chemistry / Electron Transport Complex III - genetics / Electron Transport Complex III - physiology / Genetic Pleiotropy - genetics / Genotype & phenotype / Growth and Development - genetics / Iron / Life span / Longevity - genetics / Microscopy, Fluorescence / Models, Molecular / Movement - physiology / Mutagenesis / Mutation / Mutation - genetics / Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins - genetics / Phenotype / Phosphorylation / PNAS Plus / Protein Engineering / Proteins / Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins - genetics / Stress, Physiological - genetics / Sulfur / Yeasts