Open AccessNovel insights into the osmotic stress response of yeast
Author(s) -
Mager Willem H,
Siderius Marco
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
fems yeast research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 1567-1364
pISSN - 1567-1356
DOI - 10.1111/j.1567-1364.2002.tb00092.x
Subject(s) - biology , yeast , osmotic shock , fight or flight response , computational biology , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , gene
Response to hyperosmolarity in the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has attracted a great deal of attention of molecular and cellular biologists in recent years, from both the fundamental scientific and applied viewpoint. Indeed the underlying molecular mechanisms form a clear demonstration of the intricate interplay of (environmental) signalling events, regulation of gene expression and control of metabolism that is pivotal to any living cell. In this article we briefly review the cellular response to conditions of hyperosmolarity, with focus on the high‐osmolarity glycerol mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway as the major signalling route governing cellular adaptations. Special attention will be paid to the recent finding that in the yeast cell also major structural changes occur in order to ensure maintenance of cell integrity. The intriguing role of glycerol in growth of yeast under (osmotic) stress conditions is highlighted.