Characterization of Cox15p, a cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor and component of the eukaryotic heme A synthase

• Author / Creator

  Rumley, Alina C.

• Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) converts oxygen to water as part of oxidative phosphorylation. Studies in yeast estimate that more than forty different genes are required for COX assembly. The heme A prosthetic groups are essential for COX function and defects in heme A synthesis have been shown to underlie human COX deficiencies. The nuclear-encoded Cox15p has been proposed to have a role in heme A synthesis. I have characterized S. cerevisiae cox15 mutant strains with regards to respiratory growth, COX assembly, heme A levels, and stability of the mutant Cox15p. I have identified mutants with a novel phenotype. Initial studies suggest that a cox15 null strain has abnormal mitochondrial morphology and that Cox15p has a role in peroxide metabolism. My results further support the functioning of Cox15p in heme A biosynthesis and provide insight into the variable clinical phenotypes seen in patients with COX15 mutations.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Cytochrome c oxidase
  • Cox15p
  • Heme A

• Graduation date

  Fall 2011

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3GF0N70P

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.