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Sex and sugar in yeast: two distinct GPCR systems
Author(s) -
Versele Matthias,
Lemaire Katleen,
Thevelein Johan M
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
embo reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.584
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1469-3178
pISSN - 1469-221X
DOI - 10.1093/embo-reports/kve132
Subject(s) - g protein coupled receptor , biology , saccharomyces cerevisiae , signal transduction , nutrient sensing , yeast , receptor , cyclase , adenylate kinase , cell signaling , signalling , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , computational biology
Although eukaryotic G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) systems are well known for their ability to detect and mediate rapid responses to extracellular signals, the full range of stimuli to which they respond may not yet have been identified. Activation of GPCRs by hormones, pheromones, odorants, neurotransmitters, light and different taste compounds is well established. However, the recent discovery of a glucose‐sensing GPCR system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has unexpectedly added common nutrients to this list of stimuli. This GPCR system mediates glucose activation of adenylate cyclase during the switch from respirative/gluconeogenic metabolism to fermentation. The GPCR system involved in pheromone signalling in S. cerevisiae has already served as an important model and tool for the study of GPCR systems in higher eukaryotic cell types. Here, we highlight the similarities and differences between these two signalling systems. We also indicate how the new glucose‐sensing system can serve as a model for GPCR function and as a tool with which to screen for heterologous components of signalling pathways as well as for novel ligands in high‐throughput assays.