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Filamentation Regulatory Pathways Control Adhesion-Dependent Surface Responses in Yeast
Jacky Chow1, Izzy Starr1, Sheida Jamalzadeh2
1Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at the University at Buffalo, New York 14260-1300.
Abstract:
Signaling pathways can regulate biological responses by the transcriptional regulation of target genes. In yeast, multiple signaling pathways control filamentous growth, a morphogenetic response that occurs in many species including fungal pathogens. Here, we examine the role of signaling pathways that control filamentous growth in regulating adhesion-dependent surface responses, including mat formation and colony patterning. Expression profiling and mutant phenotype analysis showed that the major pathways that regulate filamentous growth [filamentous growth MAPK (fMAPK), RAS, retrograde (RTG), RIM101, RPD3, ELP, SNF1, and PHO85] also regulated mat formation and colony patterning. The chromatin remodeling complex, SAGA, also regulated these responses. We also show that the RAS and RTG pathways coregulated a common set of target genes, and that SAGA regulated target genes known to be controlled by the fMAPK, RAS, and RTG pathways. Analysis of surface growth-specific targets identified genes that respond to low oxygen, high temperature, and desiccation stresses. We also explore the question of why cells make adhesive contacts in colonies. Cell adhesion contacts mediated by the coregulated target and adhesion molecule, Flo11p, deterred entry into colonies by macroscopic predators and impacted colony temperature regulation. The identification of new regulators (e.g., SAGA), and targets of surface growth in yeast may provide insights into fungal pathogenesis in settings where surface growth and adhesion contributes to virulence.
Insights
Multiple signaling pathways control filamentous growth in yeast, impacting surface responses like mat formation and colony patterns. These pathways also influence adhesion, deterring predators and regulating colony temperature, offering insights into fungal pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Signaling pathways regulate biological responses through transcriptional control of target genes.
- In yeast, filamentous growth is a key morphogenetic response controlled by multiple signaling pathways, relevant to fungal pathogens.
- Surface responses like mat formation and colony patterning are adhesion-dependent processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of signaling pathways in regulating adhesion-dependent surface responses in yeast.
- To identify new regulators and targets involved in yeast surface growth.
- To explore the functional significance of cell adhesion in yeast colonies.
Main Methods:
- Expression profiling to analyze gene expression patterns.
- Mutant phenotype analysis to determine the function of genes and pathways.
- Analysis of specific target genes involved in surface growth.
Main Results:
- Major filamentous growth pathways (fMAPK, RAS, RTG, RIM101, RPD3, ELP, SNF1, PHO85) were found to regulate mat formation and colony patterning.
- The chromatin remodeling complex, SAGA, was identified as a regulator of these surface responses.
- RAS and RTG pathways were shown to coregulate common target genes, and SAGA regulated targets of fMAPK, RAS, and RTG pathways.
- Surface growth-specific targets responding to environmental stresses (low oxygen, high temperature, desiccation) were identified.
- Cell adhesion mediated by Flo11p deterred macroscopic predators and affected colony temperature regulation.
Conclusions:
- Signaling pathways controlling filamentous growth are crucial for regulating adhesion-dependent surface responses in yeast.
- The SAGA complex plays a significant role in regulating yeast surface growth.
- Cell adhesion in yeast colonies provides protection against predators and influences colony microenvironment.
- Understanding yeast surface growth and adhesion mechanisms can provide insights into fungal pathogenesis and virulence.
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