Cdc50p

Cdc50p is a protein found in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is a transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in the function of several P-type ATPases, a class of ion pumps that use ATP hydrolysis to transport ions across cell membranes. Specifically, Cdc50p is a subunit of the copper-transporting ATPases, such as Ccc2p, and is also involved with the transport of iron by Fet4p. Without functional Cdc50p, these pumps are unable to efficiently transport their respective metal ions.

The protein Cdc50p is encoded by the CDC50 gene. Mutations in the CDC50 gene lead to impaired metal ion transport, affecting cellular processes that rely on adequate levels of these essential metals. For example, defects in copper transport due to loss of Cdc50p function can disrupt the activity of copper-dependent enzymes involved in respiration and antioxidant defense. Similarly, impaired iron transport can lead to cellular iron deficiency, impacting heme synthesis and other iron-requiring metabolic pathways.

Cdc50p is thought to act as a chaperone or accessory protein, stabilizing the functional conformation of its partner ATPases and facilitating their proper localization to the cell membrane. Its interaction with these pumps is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis of vital metal ions. Research into Cdc50p and its associated transporters continues to shed light on the complex mechanisms of metal ion transport in eukaryotic cells.