Transcriptomic Analysis of Copper Resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Insights into Adaptive Evolution and...

Background/Objectives: Copper-based wood preservatives are widely used to protect timber from fungal decay; however, the emergence of copper-tolerant fungi reduces their long-term effectiveness. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying copper resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae through adaptive evolution and transcriptomic profiling. Methods: A copper-resistant mutant was developed via stepwise exposure to CuSO₄·5H₂O, and its gene expression profile was compared to the wild-type strain under copper stress and non-stress conditions using Affymetrix GeneChip Yeast Genome 2.0 arrays. Results: Differential expression analysis revealed upregulation of key genes involved in copper transport (ATX1 and CTR1), the oxidative stress response (RCK1 and SOD1), and metal ion detoxification (FRE3 and SLF1). Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the significant activation of pathways related to protein folding, mitochondrial function, and transcriptional regulation. Conclusions: These findings provide insights into the adaptive strategies employed by S. cerevisiae to tolerate copper stress and suggest potential gene targets for the development of more effective wood preservatives capable of mitigating fungal resistance.