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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
09:18
Using Microfluidic Devices to Measure Lifespan and Cellular Phenotypes in Single Budding Yeast Cells
Published on: March 30, 2017
8.2K
Yeast lifespan variation correlates with cell growth and SIR2 expression
Jessica T Smith1, Jill W White2, Huzefa Dungrawala3
1Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States of America.
Plos One
|July 7, 2018
Summary
Cellular growth rates and SIR2 expression influence yeast lifespan variation. Larger cells and faster growth correlate with shorter lifespans, while moderate SIR2 increases extend it.
Area of Science:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Aging Research
- Yeast Genetics
Background:
- Yeast replicative lifespan assays show significant cell-to-cell variation.
- Microfluidic studies suggest growth and gene expression heterogeneity contribute to aging differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors contributing to lifespan variation in yeast using traditional plate assays.
- To correlate cellular birth size and inter-generational growth rates with replicative lifespan.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a large dataset of replicative lifespan data from traditional yeast plate assays.
- Correlation of birth size, inter-generational growth rates, and SIR2 expression with lifespan.
Main Results:
- Short-lived yeast cells often senesce with a budded morphology.
- Large birth size and high inter-generational growth rates significantly reduced lifespan.
- SIR2 expression levels correlated with lifespan and growth; reduced in large cells, increased in small cells.
Conclusions:
- Cellular growth rates and SIR2 expression are key contributors to lifespan heterogeneity in individual yeast cells.
- Moderate increases in SIR2 expression are associated with reduced growth and extended lifespan.
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