Copper import into the mitochondrial matrix in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is mediated by Pic2, a mitochondrial carrier family protein.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae must import copper into the mitochondrial matrix for eventual assembly of cytochrome c oxidase. This copper is bound to an anionic fluorescent molecule known as the copper ligand (CuL). Here, we identify for the first time a mitochondrial carrier family protein capable of importing copper into the matrix. In vitro transport of the CuL into the mitochondrial matrix was saturable and temperature-dependent. Strains with a deletion of PIC2 grew poorly on copper-deficient non-fermentable medium supplemented with silver and under respiratory conditions when challenged with a matrix-targeted copper competitor. Mitochondria from pic2Δ cells had lower total mitochondrial copper and exhibited a decreased capacity for copper uptake. Heterologous expression of Pic2 in Lactococcus lactis significantly enhanced CuL transport into these cells. Therefore, we propose a novel role for Pic2 in copper import into mitochondria.