Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unlocking the World of Intrinsically Disordered Regions with Cellular Sensing and Responses
Published on: January 12, 2024
A role for ion homeostasis in yeast ionic liquid tolerance
Lisa Liu1,2, Rahim U Ansari1, Maikayeng Vang-Smith1
1DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI.
Abstract:
The model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is being developed as a biocatalyst for the conversion of renewable lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels. The ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl) solubilizes lignocellulose for deconstruction into fermentable sugars, but it inhibits yeast fermentation. EMIMCl tolerance is mediated by the efflux pump Sge1p and uncharacterized protein Ilt1p. Through genetic investigation, we found that disruption of ion homeostasis through mutations in genes encoding the Trk1p potassium transporter and its protein kinase regulators, Sat4p and Hal5p, causes EMIMCl sensitivity. These results suggest that maintenance of ion homeostasis is important for tolerance to EMIMCl.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Osmolarity
Yeast Signaling
Ionic Strength: Overview
Ion Channels
Ion channels are specialized integral membrane proteins on the plasma membrane that allow...
pH Regulation in Cells
Cytosolic pH
Under physiological conditions, the cytosolic pH is slightly more acidic than the extracellular pH. However, cells must prevent further acidification of their cytosol to...
Ionic Strength: Effects on Chemical Equilibria
In this solution, the primary...

