Transition between fermentation and respiration determines history-dependent behavior in fluctuating carbon sources

Area of Science:

• Cellular biology
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cells adapt to environmental changes, experiencing a lag phase of suboptimal function.
• Prior environmental exposure can accelerate adaptation in subsequent generations.
• Understanding this trans-generational memory is crucial for cellular adaptation mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanism of history-dependent adaptation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during transitions between glucose and maltose.
• To investigate whether protein persistence or other factors drive this memory.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the molecular toolbox of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for systematic investigation.
• Analyzed cellular transitions between glucose and maltose metabolism.
• Examined the role of protein persistence versus metabolic pathway regulation.

Main Results:

• History-dependent behavior is not mediated by the persistence of metabolic proteins.
• Glucose presence causes a progressive decrease in the cells' capacity for respiration.
• This reduced respiration impairs the metabolism of alternative carbon sources like maltose.

Conclusions:

• Trans-generational memory in yeast central carbon metabolism is regulated by glucose-induced changes in respiration.
• This mechanism provides a framework for understanding history-dependent cellular behavior across different cell types.
• Cellular adaptation is influenced by past environmental cues, impacting future metabolic responses.