Alpha and beta subunits of F1-ATPase are required for survival of petite mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Although Saccharomyces cerevisiae can form petite mutants with deletions in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (ρ⁻) and can survive complete loss of the organellar genome (ρ^o), the genetic factor(s) that permit(s) survival of ρ⁻ and ρ^o mutants remain(s) unknown. In this report we show that a function associated with the F₁-ATPase, which is distinct from its role in energy transduction, is required for the petite-positive phenotype of S. cerevisiae. Inactivation of either the α or β subunit, but not the γ, δ, or ɛ subunit of F₁, renders cells petite-negative. The F₁ complex, or a subcomplex composed of the α and β subunits only, is essential for survival of ρ^o cells and those impaired in electron transport. The activity of F₁ that suppresses ρ^o lethality is independent of the membrane F_o complex, but is associated with an intrinsic ATPase activity. A further demonstration of the ability of F₁ subunits to suppress ρ^o lethality has been achieved by simultaneous expression of S. cerevisiae F₁α and γ subunit genes in Kluyveromyces lactis– which allows this petite-negative yeast to survive the loss of its mtDNA. Consequently, ATP1 and ATP2, in addition to the previously identified AAC2, YME1 and PEL1/PGS1 genes, are required for establishment of ρ⁻ or ρ^o mutations in S. cerevisiae. Received: 20 March 1999 / Accepted: 18 July 1999