Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5702-1695

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

Spring 4-17-2025

Keywords

Mitochondrial DNA, Mitonuclear Interactions, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Copper, CUP1, SSU1, Yeast

Degree Name

Biological Sciences (BA, BS)

Department

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

First Advisor

Dr. Heather Fiumera

Second Advisor

Dr. Anthony Fiumera

Third Advisor

Dr. Justin Mann

Series

Science and Mathematics

Abstract

Understanding the genetic basis of complex traits remains a central challenge in biology. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, copper resistance is a multifactorial trait shaped by both genetic and environmental influences, yet its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The genes CUP1 and SSU1 are known to influence copper resistance, though how these genes interact with each other and with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in wild yeast populations is unknown. I hypothesized that the genes CUP1 and SSU1 and variation in mtDNAs contribute to copper resistance in wild yeasts independently and through genetic interactions. To test this, I measured copper resistance across wild yeast isolates and while CUP1 copy number positively correlated with resistance, this relationship is weakened by SSU1 translocation. I then replaced the mtDNA from wild strains with the mtDNA from strain NCYC110 and found that it reduced copper resistance in a strain-specific manner. Additionally, I identified a significant interaction between CUP1 and SSU1, where SSU1 genotype modifies the effect of CUP1 copy number on copper resistance independent of mitochondrial background. Together, this work provides insight into the genetic complexity of copper resistance and suggests the importance of considering mitonuclear interactions in studies of complex traits.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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