The Saccharomyces cerevisiae flavodoxin-like proteins Ycp4 and Rfs1 play a role in stress response and in the regulation of genes related to metabolism

SPI1 is a gene whose expression responds to many environmental stimuli, including entry into stationary phase. We have performed a screening to identify genes that activate SPI1 promoter when overexpressed. The phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase gene MSS4 was identified as a positive activator of SPI1. Another SPI1 transcriptional regulator isolated was the flavodoxin-like gene YCP4. YCP4 and its homolog RFS1 regulate the expression of many genes during the late stages of growth. The double deletion mutant in YCP4 and its homolog RFS1 has an impact on gene expression related to metabolism by increasing the expression of genes involved in hexose transport and glycolysis, and decreasing expression of genes of amino acid metabolism pathways. Genes related to mating and response to pheromone show a decreased expression in the double mutant, while transcription of genes involved in translational elongation is increased. Deletion of these genes, together with the third member of the family, PST2, has a complex effect on the stress response. For instance, double mutant ycp4 Delta rfs1 Delta has an increased response to oxidative stress, but a decreased tolerance to cell-damaging agent SDS. Additionally, this mutation affects chronological aging and slightly increases fermentative capacity.