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Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis
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Yca1 metacaspase: diverse functions determine how yeast live and let die

Darren K Lam1, Gavin Sherlock1

  • 1Department of Genetics, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Dr, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, United States.

FEMS Yeast Research
|March 31, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The Yca1 metacaspase in yeast regulates apoptosis, but its full functions are unclear. Recent findings highlight its roles in proteostasis and cell cycle, paving the way for new research into yeast apoptosis and metacaspase functions.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The Yca1 metacaspase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was initially identified for its role in regulating apoptosis.
  • Apoptosis mechanisms in yeast are not fully elucidated.
  • Metacaspase proteins, including Yca1, are increasingly recognized for diverse functions beyond apoptosis, such as cellular proteostasis and cell cycle regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the Yca1 metacaspase in yeast.
  • To facilitate further investigation into metacaspase multifunctionality and novel apoptosis pathways in yeast and other nonmetazoans.
  • To discuss the application of high-throughput screening technologies for studying metacaspase functions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on Yca1.
  • Discussion of established and emerging roles of metacaspases.
  • Exploration of high-throughput screening technologies.

Main Results:

  • Recent studies provide new insights into Yca1's involvement in cellular proteostasis and cell cycle regulation.
  • The multifunctionality of metacaspases is becoming increasingly apparent.
  • Advancements in screening technologies offer new avenues for research.

Conclusions:

  • Further research on Yca1 is crucial for understanding yeast apoptosis and metacaspase multifunctionality.
  • Metacaspases play diverse roles beyond programmed cell death.
  • High-throughput screening holds promise for unraveling complex metacaspase functions across species.
Keywords:
Yca1apoptosismetacaspaseyeast

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