Microdomain protein Nce102 is a local sensor of plasma membrane sphingolipid balance

Sphingolipids are essential building blocks of eukaryotic membranes and important signalling molecules, tightly regulated in response to environmental and physiological inputs. Mechanism of sphingolipid level perception at the plasma membrane remains unclear. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Nce102 protein has been proposed to function as sphingolipid sensor as it changes its plasma membrane distribution in response to sphingolipid biosynthesis inhibition. We show that Nce102 redistributes specifically in regions of increased sphingolipid demand, e.g., membranes of nascent buds. Furthermore, we report that production of Nce102 increases following sphingolipid biosynthesis inhibition and Nce102 is internalized when excess sphingolipid precursors are supplied. This suggests that the total amount of Nce102 in the plasma membrane is a measure of the current need for sphingolipids, whereas its local distribution marks sites of high sphingolipid demand. Physiological role of Nce102 in regulation of sphingolipid synthesis is demonstrated by mass spectrometry analysis showing reduced levels of complex sphingolipids and long-chain bases in nce102{Delta} deletion mutant. Nce102 behaves analogously in human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, suggesting a conserved principle of local sphingolipid control across species.