1 Organelle Inheritance in Yeast and Other Fungi

Abstract

While the study of organelle inheritance has long been a topic of active investigation, there are still many outstanding questions. Do the mechanisms found in S. cerevisiae for initiation and termination of organelle movement from mother cells to buds, as well as anchorage of organelles in mother cells and buds, occur in other fungi? Recent studies indicate that the machinery for mitochondrial inheritance in S. cerevisiae promotes inheritance of fitter mitochondria by daughter cells and promotes daughter cell fitness and lifespan. Are there other inheritance-linked organelle quality control mechanisms and how does this affect mother and daughter cell fitness? Several checkpoints are in place to ensure the faithful segregation of chromosomes. Recent studies have illustrated similar robust surveillance mechanisms for the inheritance of various organelles such as mitochondria, cER, Golgi apparatus, and vacuoles. Are there other organelle inheritance checkpoints in fungi and other eukaryotes? How do defects in organelle inheritance, organelle quality control, and/or localization of organelles to specific regions within cells contribute to neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases in mammals? Continued analysis of organelle inheritance in fungi will not only guide us in understanding this complex phenomenon in other organisms but will also help in finding therapies for these diseases.