Genomics and gene transcription kinetics in yeast

As an adaptive response to new conditions, mRNA concentrations in eukaryotes are readjusted after any environmental change. Although mRNA concentrations can be modified by altering synthesis and/or degradation rates, the rapidity of the transition to a new concentration depends on the regulation of mRNA stability. There are several plausible transcriptional strategies following environmental change, reflecting different degrees of compromise between speed of response and cost of synthesis. The recent development of genomic techniques now enables researchers to determine simultaneously (either directly or indirectly) the transcription rates and mRNA half-lifes, together with mRNA concentrations, corresponding to all yeast genes. Such experiments could provide a new picture of the transcriptional response, by enabling us to characterize the kinetic strategies that are used by different genes under given environmental conditions.