« Previous Abstract[Haloforms in hot spring pools]    Next AbstractMembrane process for biological treatment of contaminated gas streams »

Genetics

Title:		A filamentous growth response mediated by the yeast mating pathway
Author(s):		Erdman S; Snyder M;
Address:		"Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA"
Journal Title:		Genetics
Year:		2001
Volume:		159
Issue:		3
Page Number:		919 - 928
DOI:		10.1093/genetics/159.3.919
ISSN/ISBN:		0016-6731 (Print) 0016-6731 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Haploid cells of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae respond to mating pheromones by arresting their cell-division cycle in G1 and differentiating into a cell type capable of locating and fusing with mating partners. Yeast cells undergo chemotactic cell surface growth when pheromones are present above a threshold level for morphogenesis; however, the morphogenetic responses of cells to levels of pheromone below this threshold have not been systematically explored. Here we show that MATa haploid cells exposed to low levels of the alpha-factor mating pheromone undergo a novel cellular response: cells modulate their division patterns and cell shape, forming colonies composed of filamentous chains of cells. Time-lapse analysis of filament formation shows that its dynamics are distinct from that of pseudohyphal growth; during pheromone-induced filament formation, daughter cells are delayed relative to mother cells with respect to the timing of bud emergence. Filament formation requires the RSR1(BUD1), BUD8, SLK1/BCK1, and SPA2 genes and many elements of the STE11/STE7 MAP kinase pathway; this response is also independent of FAR1, a gene involved in orienting cell polarization during the mating response. We suggest that mating yeast cells undergo a complex response to low levels of pheromone that may enhance the ability of cells to search for mating partners through the modification of cell shape and alteration of cell-division patterns"
Keywords:		"Cell Division G1 Phase *Genes, Fungal Haploidy Microscopy, Video Pheromones/metabolism/*pharmacology Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism/*physiology Signal Transduction Time Factors;"
Notes:		"MedlineErdman, S Snyder, M eng GM-36494/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/ Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. 2001/12/01 Genetics. 2001 Nov; 159(3):919-28. doi: 10.1093/genetics/159.3.919"