Rcf1 and Rcf2, members of the hypoxia-induced gene 1 protein family, are critical components of the mitochondrial cytochrome bc1-cytochrome c oxidase supercomplex

Mol Cell Biol. 2012 Apr;32(8):1363-73. doi: 10.1128/MCB.06369-11. Epub 2012 Feb 6.

Abstract

We report that Rcf1 (formerly Aim31), a member of the conserved hypoxia-induced gene 1 (Hig1) protein family, represents a novel component of the yeast cytochrome bc(1)-cytochrome c oxidase (COX) supercomplex. Rcf1 (respiratory supercomplex factor 1) partitions with the COX complex, and evidence that it may act as a bridge to the cytochrome bc(1) complex is presented. Rcf1 interacts with the Cox3 subunit and can do so prior to their assembly into the COX complex. A close proximity of Rcf1 and members of the ADP/ATP carrier (AAC) family was also established. Rcf1 displays overlapping function with another Hig1-related protein, Rcf2 (formerly Aim38), and their joint presence is required for optimal COX enzyme activity and the correct assembly of the cytochrome bc(1)-COX supercomplex. Rcf1 and Rcf2 can independently associate with the cytochrome bc(1)-COX supercomplex, indicating that at least two forms of this supercomplex exist within mitochondria. We provide evidence that the association with the cytochrome bc(1)-COX supercomplex and regulation of the COX complex are a conserved feature of Hig1 family members. Based on our findings, we propose a model where the Hig1 proteins regulate the COX enzyme activity through Cox3 and associated Cox12 protein, in a manner that may be influenced by the neighboring AAC proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Electron Transport Complex III / genetics
  • Electron Transport Complex III / metabolism*
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / genetics
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 / genetics
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / enzymology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Protein Binding
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / ultrastructure
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1
  • Rcf1 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Rcf2 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Electron Transport Complex IV
  • Electron Transport Complex III