Role of Pex31 in metabolic adaptation of the nucleus–vacuole junction

The nucleus-vacuole junction (NVJ) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a multifunctional contact site between the membrane of the nuclear endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the vacuole that has diverse roles in lipid metabolism, transfer and storage. Adaptation of NVJ functions to metabolic cues is mediated by a striking remodeling of the size and the proteome of the contact site, but the extent and the molecular determinants of this plasticity are not fully understood. Using microscopy-based screens, we monitored NVJ remodeling in response to glucose availability. We identified Pex31, Nsg1, Nsg2, Shr5, and Tcb1 as NVJ residents. Glucose starvation typically results in an expansion of the NVJ size and proteome. Pex31 shows an atypical behavior, being specifically enriched at the NVJ in high-glucose conditions. Loss of Pex31 uncouples NVJ remodeling from glucose availability, resulting in recruitment of glucose starvation-specific residents and NVJ expansion at glucose-replete conditions. Moreover, PEX31 deletion results in alterations of sterol ester storage and a remodeling of vacuolar membranes that phenocopy glucose starvation responses. We conclude that Pex31 has a role in metabolic adaptation of the NVJ.