Characterization of a novel interaction of the Nup159 nucleoporin with asymmetrically localized spindle pole body proteins and its link with autophagy.

Both the spindle microtubule-organizing centers and the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are convoluted structures where many signaling pathways converge to coordinate key events during cell division. Interestingly, despite their distinct molecular conformation and overall functions, these structures share common components and collaborate in the regulation of essential processes. We have established a new link between microtubule-organizing centers and nuclear pores in budding yeast by unveiling an interaction between the Bfa1/Bub2 complex, a mitotic exit inhibitor that localizes on the spindle pole bodies, and the Nup159 nucleoporin. Bfa1/Bub2 association with Nup159 is reduced in metaphase to not interfere with proper spindle positioning. However, their interaction is stimulated in anaphase and assists the Nup159-dependent autophagy pathway. The asymmetric localization of Bfa1/Bub2 during mitosis raises the possibility that its interaction with Nup159 could differentially promote Nup159-mediated autophagic processes, which might be relevant for the maintenance of the replicative lifespan.

Asymmetric inheritance of spindle microtubule-organizing centres preserves replicative lifespan.

The differential distribution of the microtubule-organizing centres (MTOCs) that orchestrate spindle formation during cell division is a fascinating phenomenon originally described in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and later found to be conserved during stem cell divisions in organisms ranging from Drosophila to humans. Whether predetermined MTOC inheritance patterns fulfil any biological function is however unknown. Using a genetically designed S. cerevisiae strain that displays a constitutively inverted MTOC fate, we demonstrate that the asymmetric segregation of these structures is critical to ensure normal levels of the Sir2 sirtuin and correct localization of the mitochondrial inheritance regulator Mfb1, and therefore to properly distribute functional mitochondria and protein aggregates between the mother and daughter cells. Consequently, interfering with this process severely accelerates cellular ageing.