Pho80

Pho80 is a gene found in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It encodes a protein that is a component of the vacuolar proton pump, specifically the V0 sector. This pump is responsible for maintaining the acidic pH of the yeast vacuole, which is a vital organelle involved in various cellular processes. Pho80 functions in conjunction with other subunits, such as Vph1, to form the transmembrane channel through which protons are translocated. The vacuolar proton pump plays a critical role in nutrient storage, protein degradation, ion homeostasis, and the regulation of cytoplasmic pH. Mutations in Pho80 can lead to a less acidic vacuole and disrupt these essential functions, impacting cell growth and survival. Research into Pho80 and the vacuolar proton pump is important for understanding fundamental cellular mechanisms and has implications for studying human diseases related to lysosomal function and proton transport.