ζ-Crystallins are a Zn(2+)-lacking enzyme group with quinone reductase activity, which belongs to the medium-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily. It has been recently observed that human ζ-crystallin is capable of reducing the α,β-double bond of alkenals and alkenones. Here we report that this activity is also shared by the homologous Zta1p enzyme from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. While the two enzymes show similar substrate specificity, human ζ-crystallin exhibits higher activity with lipid peroxidation products and Zta1p is more active with cinnamaldehyde. The presence of Zta1p has an in vivo protective effect on yeast strains exposed to the toxic substrate 3-penten-2-one. Analysis of ZTA1 gene expression indicates an induction under different types of cellular stress, including ethanol and dimethylsulfoxide exposure and by reaching the stationary growth phase. The role of Zta1p in the yeast adaptation to some stress types and the general functional significance of ζ-crystallins are discussed.
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