Deletion of the PDR16 gene influences the plasma membrane properties of the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis

• Published in: Canadian journal of microbiology Vol. 61; no. 4; pp. 273 - 279
• Main Authors: Toth Hervay, Nora, Goffa, Eduard, Svrbicka, Alexandra, Simova, Zuzana, Griac, Peter, Jancikova, Iva, Gaskova, Dana, Morvova, Marcela, Sikurova, Libusa, Gbelska, Yvetta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada NRC Research Press 01.04.2015; Canadian Science Publishing NRC Research Press
• Subjects: Alkali metals; Biochemistry; Cations; Cell Membrane - chemistry; Cell Membrane - genetics; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Cell membranes; Drug resistance in microorganisms; drugs; fluconazole; Fungal Proteins - genetics; Fungal Proteins - metabolism; Gene Deletion; genes; Genetic aspects; Genetics; Health aspects; Kluyveromyces - chemistry; Kluyveromyces - cytology; Kluyveromyces - genetics; Kluyveromyces - metabolism; Kluyveromyces lactis; Kluyveromyces marxianus var. lactis; lipid composition; Lipids; Lithium; membrane cytoplasmique; Membranes; multidrug resistance; multirésistance aux médicaments; mutants; PDR16; Phospholipid Transfer Proteins - genetics; Phospholipid Transfer Proteins - metabolism; plasma membrane; protein secretion; Protein synthesis; Proteins; protoplasts; radiolabeling; Saccharomyces; Xenobiotics; Yeast; Yeasts; Kluyveromyces lactis; multidrug resistance; PDR16; membrane cytoplasmique; plasma membrane; multirésistance aux médicaments
• ISSN: 1480-3275; 0008-4166; 1480-3275
• DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2014-0627

The plasma membrane is the first line of cell defense against changes in external environment, thus its integrity and functionality are of utmost importance. The plasma membrane properties depend on both its protein and lipid composition. The PDR16 gene is involved in the control of Kluyveromyceslactis susceptibility to drugs and alkali metal cations. It encodes the homologue of the major K. lactis phosphatidylinositol transfer protein Sec14p. Sec14p participates in protein secretion, regulation of lipid synthesis, and turnover in vivo. We report here that the plasma membrane of the Klpdr16Δ mutant is hyperpolarized and its fluidity is lower than that of the parental strain. In addition, protoplasts prepared from the Klpdr16Δ cells display decreased stability when subjected to hypo-osmotic conditions. These changes in membrane properties lead to an accumulation of radiolabeled fluconazole and lithium cations inside mutant cells. Our results point to the fact that the PDR16 gene of K. lactis (KlPDR16) influences the plasma membrane properties in K. lactis that lead to subsequent changes in susceptibility to a broad range of xenobiotics.