Spatiotemporal patterns of gene expression during development of a complex colony morphology

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Developmental Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Clonal microbial communities exhibit spatial structure with varying microenvironments.
• Cell specialization within these communities is crucial for adaptation and enhances overall community fitness through division of labor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying colony structure development in yeast.
• To identify genes that regulate the transition from smooth central regions to structured peripheral regions in yeast colonies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze gene expression patterns in yeast strains.
• Examined gene expression at different developmental stages (day 2 and day 5) and spatial locations (center vs. periphery).
• Performed gene deletion analysis to assess the impact of specific genes on colony morphology.

Main Results:

• Deletion of transcription factors dig1D and sfl1D increased colony structure, while tec1D decreased it.
• Identified gene expression patterns that correlate with the degree of colony structure.
• Five genes (BUD8, CIS3, FLO11, MSB2, SFG1) were found to strongly influence colony morphology, with their deletion eliminating peripheral structure.

Conclusions:

• Colony structure in yeast is a complex trait influenced by specific genes and spatiotemporal factors.
• BUD8, CIS3, FLO11, MSB2, and SFG1 play critical roles in establishing the structured periphery of yeast colonies.
• Understanding these genetic underpinnings can inform strategies for controlling microbial community development.