Key yeast enzyme discovered after 15 years reveals how sugar-donor DLOs are regulated
Phys.org
February 14, 2026
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RIKEN researchers have uncovered a groundbreaking discovery in yeast cell biology: an enzyme that regulates lipid-linked sugar chains, known as sugar-donor DLOs (dolichols). This finding, published in the *Journal of Cell Biology*, reveals a novel mechanism by which cells maintain balanced levels of these molecules, crucial for various cellular functions. The study highlights the importance of quality control systems in managing cellular resources and opens new avenues for understanding metabolic regulation.
Lipid-linked sugars are essential components involved in cell signaling, membrane repair, and immune responses. In yeast cells, these molecules are attached to dolichols—long-chain lipids—and serve as sugar donors during glycosylation processes. However, their levels must be tightly controlled to prevent imbalance, which could disrupt cellular functions. The newly identified enzyme plays a critical role in this regulatory process by breaking down excess DLOs when their concentration becomes too high.
The researchers conducted extensive experiments over 15 years to pinpoint the enzyme responsible for this regulation. They found that this enzyme acts as a quality control mechanism, ensuring that only properly formed lipid-linked sugars are retained within the cell. This discovery not only sheds light on how cells manage their sugar-donor pools but also provides insights into broader regulatory networks in eukaryotic organisms.
This study is significant because it advances our understanding of cellular regulation and metabolism. Dysregulation of lipid-linked sugars has been implicated in various diseases, including metabolic disorders and infections caused by yeast. By identifying this key enzyme, scientists may unlock new strategies for treating conditions linked to disrupted sugar-donor levels. The research underscores the importance of basic science in uncovering fundamental biological mechanisms that could have far-reaching applications in medicine.
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/14/2026