Molecular interactions of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae golgin Bug1

Abstract

There are proteins that reach their final destinations outside the cell through non conventional routes in what is called unconventional protein secretion mechanism, which is triggered when the cell is submitted to atypical conditions, such as those found during cell stress. There are several of those non-conventional routes, each one involving distinct sets of proteins. In particular, there is a protein in yeast, known as Grh1, that forms a complex with another protein called Bug1 and that together participate in Type III non-conventional secretion mechanism via the formation of the so-called Compartment for Unconventional Protein Secretion (CUPs), which has been poorly studied so far. The main goal of this project is to obtain a better understanding about Bug1, initially through exploring its biophysical and biochemical features in solution. Furthermore, we are interested in the molecular aspects of Bug1 interaction with membranes under normal and stress conditions (such as temperature). The data to be obtained will contribute with information regarding Bug1 structure and its interaction in solution, which might help understading ita role in the unconventional protein secretion scheme.