RNA degradation by ribonuclease T2 is required for phosphate homeostasis in S. cerevisiae

Consequently, cells monitor phosphate levels and acquire phosphate when intracellular levels become low. Here we demonstrate an unanticipated connection between the enzymatic activity of the S. cerevisiae RNase T2 ortholog, Rny1, and inorganic phosphate availability.

Rny1 has been studied for its role in autophagy-linked RNA degradation under starvation conditions. Here we find that in nutrient-rich conditions, cells lacking Rny1 function exhibit phosphate starvation phenotypes and aberrantly activate the PHO signaling pathway despite the presence of high levels of inorganic phosphate in the growth media.