Cellular metabolism regulates contact sites between vacuoles and mitochondria
14.07.2014
Hönscher C, Mari M, Auffarth K, Bohnert M, Griffith J, Geerts W, van der Laan M, Cabrera M, Reggiori F, Ungermann C.
Dev Cell. 2014 Jul 14;30(1):86-94.
Many metabolic and signalling pathways in eukaryotic cells involve different organelles that communicate with each other either via soluble carriers or direct membrane contact sites. In this work we have identified for the first time a direct physical connection between mitochondria and vacuoles, which we termed vCLAMP (vacuole and mitochondria patch). The vacuolar HOPS tethering complex subunit Vps39 is a component of vCLAMPs. Formation of vCLAMPs also depends on the Rab GTPase Ypt7 that binds to Vps39 on vacuolar membranes. Genetic interactions revealed an intricate crosstalk between Vps39 and components of the ER-mitochondria encounter structure (ERMES). Whereas ERMES is more abundant during respiratory metabolism, vCLAMPs strongly proliferate when cells switch to glycolytic metabolism. The number of vCLAMPs in cells is regulated through reversible phosphorylation of Vps39. Our studies shed light on the sophisticated cooperation and mutual regulation of different cellular organelles and their activities.
