Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Growth-based Determination and Biochemical Confirmation of Genetic Requirements for Protein Degradation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
10:57

Growth-based Determination and Biochemical Confirmation of Genetic Requirements for Protein Degradation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Published on: February 16, 2015

Gene-dependent cell death in yeast

X Teng1, W-C Cheng, B Qi

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Cell Death & Disease
|August 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified over 800 yeast genes that, when knocked out, increase cell survival after heat stress, suggesting these genes normally promote cell death in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Caspase-dependent apoptosis is well-studied in multicellular organisms, but its existence in single-cell species like yeast remains unclear.
  • This uncertainty limits the use of yeast genetics to study cell death regulation.
  • Mammalian studies reveal diverse genetically encoded cell death pathways, suggesting potential yeast applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of gene-dependent cell death in yeast.
  • To identify yeast genes that contribute to cell-autonomous death.
  • To leverage yeast genetics for cell death research.

Main Methods:

  • A rigorous strategy was employed, allowing time for gene-dependent events but not population evolution.
  • A ramped heat stimulus was applied to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene knockout collection.
  • Automated counting of microscopic colonies assessed viability and identified gene-specific survival phenotypes.

Main Results:

  • Over 800 yeast knockout strains showed significantly increased survival after heat insult.
  • This implies that the deleted genes normally contribute to cell death.
  • Identified survival phenotypes were reproducible and often persisted under alternative conditions.

Conclusions:

  • This study demonstrates that a significant number of yeast genes can contribute to programmed cell death.
  • It provides a foundation for further research into the mechanisms of yeast cell death.
  • The findings encourage the application of yeast genetics to study cell death regulation.

More Related Videos

The Green Monster Process for the Generation of Yeast Strains Carrying Multiple Gene Deletions13:06

The Green Monster Process for the Generation of Yeast Strains Carrying Multiple Gene Deletions

Published on: December 15, 2012

Tuning Degradation to Achieve Specific and Efficient Protein Depletion05:11

Tuning Degradation to Achieve Specific and Efficient Protein Depletion

Published on: July 20, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Yeast Signaling01:28

Yeast Signaling

Yeasts are single-celled organisms, but unlike bacteria, they are eukaryotes (cells with a nucleus). Cell signaling in yeast is similar to signaling in other eukaryotic cells. A ligand, such as a protein or a small molecule released from a yeast cell, attaches to a receptor on the cell surface. The binding stimulates second-messenger kinases to activate or inactivate transcription factors that further regulate gene expression. Many of the yeast intracellular signaling cascades have similar...
Overview of Cell Death01:30

Overview of Cell Death

Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Autophagic Cell Death01:18

Autophagic Cell Death

Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression02:51

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability