Extracellular Self-DNA Effects on Yeast Cell Cycle and Transcriptome during Batch Growth

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Yeast Genetics

Background:

• Extracellular DNA can influence cellular processes.
• Understanding self-DNA interactions is crucial for cell biology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of extracellular self-DNA and nonself-DNA on yeast cell cycle and transcriptome dynamics.
• To elucidate the mechanisms of self-DNA inhibition in yeast.

Main Methods:

• Aerobic batch culture of yeast on glucose.
• Cytofluorimetric analysis for cell cycle assessment.
• RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) for transcriptome profiling.

Main Results:

• Self-DNA treatment reduced growth rate, elongated the diauxic lag phase, and delayed stationary phase achievement.
• Significant cell cycle changes observed with self-DNA: slower G0 exit and increased S phase percentage.
• Transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of transmembrane transport and upregulation of sulfur compound and pentose phosphate pathway genes with self-DNA.
• Nonself-DNA exposure did not impact growth or cell cycle dynamics, but induced a nutrient deprivation response.

Conclusions:

• Extracellular self-DNA significantly inhibits yeast growth and alters cell cycle progression.
• Distinct transcriptomic responses differentiate self-DNA and nonself-DNA exposure in yeast.
• Findings provide deeper understanding of self-DNA's inhibitory role in cellular functions.