Neutral Lipids of the Yeast (FWF15141)

The project describes molecular biological, cell biological and biochemical strategies to identify genes and gene products involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of triacylglycerols (TAG) and steryl esters (STE) of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This project is aimed at a better understanding of how lipid depots are formed and mobilized from their site of storage, the so-called lipid particles. The following specific aspects will be addressed during this investigation: (i) Identification of new genes encoding enzymes of TAG synthesis; characterization and subcellular localization of the respective gene products; characterization of the coordinate regulation of different pathways of TAG synthesis. (ii) Interplay of lipid particles and endoplasmic reticulum in STE formation with special emphasis on transfer of components between the two compartments. (iii) Mobilization of TAG and STE from lipid particles and utilization of their components; identification of enzymes (lipases, hydrolases) and of the corresponding genes involved in TAG and STE mobilization; characterization and localization of the respective enzymes; characterization of coordinate regulation of TAG and STE degradation by isoenzymes in different subcellular compartments. (iv) Cell biological consequences of TAG and/or STE depletion or over-production; phenotypic analysis of yeast mutants with single and multiple defect(s) in TAG and STE formation and mobilization. not assigned KP: Dr. Gianni Balliano