The acyl-CoA-binding protein Acb1 regulates mitochondria, lipid droplets, and cell proliferation.

Mitochondria are involved in many cellular activities, including energy metabolism and biosynthesis of nucleotides, fatty acids and amino acids. Mitochondrial morphology is a key factor in dictating mitochondrial functions. Here, we report that the acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP) Acb1 in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is required for the maintenance of tubular mitochondrial morphology and proper mitochondrial respiration. The absence of Acb1 causes severe mitochondrial fragmentation in a dynamin-related protein Dnm1-dependent manner and impairs mitochondrial respiration. Moreover, Acb1 regulates the remodelling of lipid droplets in nutrient-rich conditions. Importantly, Acb1 promotes cell survival when cells are cultured in nutrient-rich medium. Hence, our findings establish roles of ACBP in regulating mitochondria, lipid droplets and cell viability.