Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for the Special Issue “Adaptation, Aging, and Cell Death in Yeast Stress Response: Models, Mechanisms and Applications”

by Nicoletta Guaragnella, Anita Krisko and Tiago F. Outeiro

Microorganisms 2022, 10(6), 1126; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms10061126 - 30 May 2022

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Abstract

Every cell experiences different types of stress during its life cycle [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation, Aging, and Cell Death in Yeast Stress Response: Models, Mechanisms and Applications)

Research

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16 pages, 2506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Lithium on the Budding Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae upon Stress Adaptation

by Patrick Reith, Svenja Braam, Niek Welkenhuysen, Sarah Lecinski, Jack Shepherd, Chris MacDonald, Mark C. Leake, Stefan Hohmann, Sviatlana Shashkova and Marija Cvijovic

Microorganisms 2022, 10(3), 590; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms10030590 - 09 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2800

Abstract

Lithium salts are used in the treatment of mood disorders, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. It has been shown to prolong life span in several phyla; however, not yet in budding yeast. In our study, we investigate the influence of lithium on yeast cells’ [...] Read more.

Lithium salts are used in the treatment of mood disorders, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. It has been shown to prolong life span in several phyla; however, not yet in budding yeast. In our study, we investigate the influence of lithium on yeast cells’ viability by characterizing protein aggregate formation, cell volume, and molecular crowding in the context of stress adaptation. While our data suggest a concentration-dependent growth inhibition caused by LiCl, we show an extended long-term survival rate as an effect of lithium addition upon glucose deprivation. We show that caloric restriction mitigates the negative impact of LiCl on cellular survival. Therefore, we suggest that lithium could affect glucose metabolism upon caloric restriction, which could explain the extended long-term survival observed in our study. We find furthermore that lithium chloride did not affect an immediate salt-induced Hsp104-dependent aggregate formation but cellular adaptation to H₂O₂ and acute glucose starvation. We presume that different salt types and concentrations interfere with effective Hsp104 recruitment or its ATP-dependent disaggregase activity as a response to salt stress. This work provides novel details of Li⁺ effect on live eukaryotic cells which may also be applicable in further research on the treatment of cancer, Alzheimer’s, or other age-related diseases in humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation, Aging, and Cell Death in Yeast Stress Response: Models, Mechanisms and Applications)

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12 pages, 2310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RTG Signaling Sustains Mitochondrial Respiratory Capacity in HOG1-Dependent Osmoadaptation

by Nicoletta Guaragnella, Gennaro Agrimi, Pasquale Scarcia, Clelia Suriano, Isabella Pisano, Antonella Bobba, Cristina Mazzoni, Luigi Palmieri and Sergio Giannattasio

Microorganisms 2021, 9(9), 1894; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9091894 - 06 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1903

Abstract

Mitochondrial RTG-dependent retrograde signaling, whose regulators have been characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, plays a recognized role under various environmental stresses. Of special significance, the activity of the transcriptional complex Rtg1/3 has been shown to be modulated by Hog1, the master regulator [...] Read more.

Mitochondrial RTG-dependent retrograde signaling, whose regulators have been characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, plays a recognized role under various environmental stresses. Of special significance, the activity of the transcriptional complex Rtg1/3 has been shown to be modulated by Hog1, the master regulator of the high osmolarity glycerol pathway, in response to osmotic stress. The present work focuses on the role of RTG signaling in salt-induced osmotic stress and its interaction with HOG1. Wild-type and mutant cells, lacking HOG1 and/or RTG genes, are compared with respect to cell growth features, retrograde signaling activation and mitochondrial function in the presence and in the absence of high osmostress. We show that RTG2, the main upstream regulator of the RTG pathway, contributes to osmoadaptation in an HOG1-dependent manner and that, with RTG3, it is notably involved in a late phase of growth. Our data demonstrate that impairment of RTG signaling causes a decrease in mitochondrial respiratory capacity exclusively under osmostress. Overall, these results suggest that HOG1 and the RTG pathway may interact sequentially in the stress signaling cascade and that the RTG pathway may play a role in inter-organellar metabolic communication for osmoadaptation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation, Aging, and Cell Death in Yeast Stress Response: Models, Mechanisms and Applications)

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21 pages, 2885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Sch9 and the V-ATPase in the Adaptation Response to Acetic Acid and the Consequences for Growth and Chronological Lifespan

by Marie-Anne Deprez, Jeroen M. Maertens, Lisbeth Olsson, Maurizio Bettiga and Joris Winderickx

Microorganisms 2021, 9(9), 1871; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9091871 - 03 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2803

Abstract

Studies with Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicated that non-physiologically high levels of acetic acid promote cellular acidification, chronological aging, and programmed cell death. In the current study, we compared the cellular lipid composition, acetic acid uptake, intracellular pH, growth, and chronological lifespan of wild-type cells [...] Read more.

Studies with Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicated that non-physiologically high levels of acetic acid promote cellular acidification, chronological aging, and programmed cell death. In the current study, we compared the cellular lipid composition, acetic acid uptake, intracellular pH, growth, and chronological lifespan of wild-type cells and mutants lacking the protein kinase Sch9 and/or a functional V-ATPase when grown in medium supplemented with different acetic acid concentrations. Our data show that strains lacking the V-ATPase are especially more susceptible to growth arrest in the presence of high acetic acid concentrations, which is due to a slower adaptation to the acid stress. These V-ATPase mutants also displayed changes in lipid homeostasis, including alterations in their membrane lipid composition that influences the acetic acid diffusion rate and changes in sphingolipid metabolism and the sphingolipid rheostat, which is known to regulate stress tolerance and longevity of yeast cells. However, we provide evidence that the supplementation of 20 mM acetic acid has a cytoprotective and presumable hormesis effect that extends the longevity of all strains tested, including the V-ATPase compromised mutants. We also demonstrate that the long-lived sch9Δ strain itself secretes significant amounts of acetic acid during stationary phase, which in addition to its enhanced accumulation of storage lipids may underlie its increased lifespan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation, Aging, and Cell Death in Yeast Stress Response: Models, Mechanisms and Applications)

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16 pages, 1827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epigenetic Response of Yarrowia lipolytica to Stress: Tracking Methylation Level and Search for Methylation Patterns via Whole-Genome Sequencing

by Monika Kubiak-Szymendera, Leszek P. Pryszcz, Wojciech Białas and Ewelina Celińska

Microorganisms 2021, 9(9), 1798; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9091798 - 24 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2169

Abstract

DNA methylation is a common, but not universal, epigenetic modification that plays an important role in multiple cellular processes. While definitely settled for numerous plant, mammalian, and bacterial species, the genome methylation in different fungal species, including widely studied and industrially-relevant yeast species, [...] Read more.

DNA methylation is a common, but not universal, epigenetic modification that plays an important role in multiple cellular processes. While definitely settled for numerous plant, mammalian, and bacterial species, the genome methylation in different fungal species, including widely studied and industrially-relevant yeast species, Yarrowia lipolytica, is still a matter of debate. In this paper, we report a differential DNA methylation level in the genome of Y. lipolytica subjected to sequential subculturing and to heat stress conditions. To this end, we adopted repeated batch bioreactor cultivations of Y. lipolytica subjected to thermal stress in specific time intervals. To analyze the variation in DNA methylation between stressed and control cultures, we (a) quantified the global DNA methylation status using an immuno-assay, and (b) studied DNA methylation patterns through whole-genome sequencing. Primarily, we demonstrated that 5 mC modification can be detected using a commercial immuno-assay, and that the modifications are present in Y. lipolytica’s genome at ~0.5% 5 mC frequency. On the other hand, we did not observe any changes in the epigenetic response of Y. lipolytica to heat shock (HS) treatment. Interestingly, we identified a general phenomenon of decreased 5 mC level in Y. lipolytica’s genome in the stationary phase of growth, when compared to a late-exponential epigenome. While this study provides an insight into the subculturing stress response and adaptation to the stress at epigenetic level by Y. lipolytica, it also leaves an open question of inability to detect any genomic DNA methylation level (either in CpG context or context-less) through whole-genome sequencing. The results of ONT sequencing, suggesting that 5 mC modification is either rare or non-existent in Y. lipolytica genome, are contradicted with the results of the immunoassay. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation, Aging, and Cell Death in Yeast Stress Response: Models, Mechanisms and Applications)

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11 pages, 1809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Longevity Regulation by Proline Oxidation in Yeast

by Akira Nishimura, Yuki Yoshikawa, Kazuki Ichikawa, Tetsuma Takemoto, Ryoya Tanahashi and Hiroshi Takagi

Microorganisms 2021, 9(8), 1650; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9081650 - 02 Aug 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2278

Abstract

Proline is a pivotal and multifunctional amino acid that is used not only as a nitrogen source but also as a stress protectant and energy source. Therefore, proline metabolism is known to be important in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Here, we discovered that proline [...] Read more.

Proline is a pivotal and multifunctional amino acid that is used not only as a nitrogen source but also as a stress protectant and energy source. Therefore, proline metabolism is known to be important in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Here, we discovered that proline oxidation, catalyzed by the proline oxidase Put1, a mitochondrial flavin-dependent enzyme converting proline into ∆¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate, controls the chronological lifespan of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Intriguingly, the yeast strain with PUT1 deletion showed a reduced chronological lifespan compared with the wild-type strain. The addition of proline to the culture medium significantly increased the longevity of wild-type cells but not that of PUT1-deleted cells. We next found that induction of the transcriptional factor Put3-dependent PUT1 and degradation of proline occur during the aging of yeast cells. Additionally, the lifespan of the PUT3-deleted strain, which is deficient in PUT1 induction, was shorter than that of the wild-type strain. More importantly, the oxidation of proline by Put1 helped maintain the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production through the aging period. These results indicate that mitochondrial energy metabolism is maintained through oxidative degradation of proline and that this process is important in regulating the longevity of yeast cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation, Aging, and Cell Death in Yeast Stress Response: Models, Mechanisms and Applications)

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14 pages, 1701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuroserpin Inclusion Bodies in a FENIB Yeast Model

by Valentina Vapore, Corrado Mazzaglia, Diego Sibilia, Mara Del Vecchio, Gernot Fruhmann, Marta Valenti, Elena Miranda, Teresa Rinaldi, Joris Winderickx and Cristina Mazzoni

Microorganisms 2021, 9(7), 1498; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9071498 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2295

Abstract

FENIB (familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies) is a human monogenic disease caused by point mutations in the SERPINI1 gene, characterized by the intracellular deposition of polymers of neuroserpin (NS), which leads to proteotoxicity and cell death. Despite the different cell and animal [...] Read more.

FENIB (familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies) is a human monogenic disease caused by point mutations in the SERPINI1 gene, characterized by the intracellular deposition of polymers of neuroserpin (NS), which leads to proteotoxicity and cell death. Despite the different cell and animal models developed thus far, the exact mechanism of cell toxicity elicited by NS polymers remains unclear. Here, we report that human wild-type NS and the polymerogenic variant G392E NS form protein aggregates mainly localized within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) when expressed in the yeast S. cerevisiae. The expression of NS in yeast delayed the exit from the lag phase, suggesting that NS inclusions cause cellular stress. The cells also showed a higher resistance following mild oxidative stress treatments when compared to control cells. Furthermore, the expression of NS in a pro-apoptotic mutant strain-induced cell death during aging. Overall, these data recapitulate phenotypes observed in mammalian cells, thereby validating S. cerevisiae as a model for FENIB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation, Aging, and Cell Death in Yeast Stress Response: Models, Mechanisms and Applications)

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14 pages, 2480 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Internal Promoter Drives the Expression of a Truncated Form of CCC1 Capable of Protecting Yeast from Iron Toxicity

by Catarina Amaral, Cristina Teixeira Vicente, Soraia Marques Caetano, Ana Gaspar-Cordeiro, Yang Yang, Peter Cloetens, Célia V. Romão, Claudina Rodrigues-Pousada and Catarina Pimentel

Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1337; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9061337 - 20 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2224

Abstract

In yeast, iron storage and detoxification depend on the Ccc1 transporter that mediates iron accumulation in vacuoles. While deletion of the CCC1 gene renders cells unable to survive under iron overload conditions, the deletion of its previously identified regulators only partially affects survival, [...] Read more.

In yeast, iron storage and detoxification depend on the Ccc1 transporter that mediates iron accumulation in vacuoles. While deletion of the CCC1 gene renders cells unable to survive under iron overload conditions, the deletion of its previously identified regulators only partially affects survival, indicating that the mechanisms controlling iron storage and detoxification in yeast are still far from well understood. This work reveals that CCC1 is equipped with a complex transcriptional structure comprising several regulatory regions. One of these is located inside the coding sequence of the gene and drives the expression of a short transcript encoding an N-terminally truncated protein, designated as s-Ccc1. s-Ccc1, though less efficiently than Ccc1, is able to promote metal accumulation in the vacuole, protecting cells against iron toxicity. While the expression of the s-Ccc1 appears to be repressed in the normal genomic context, our current data clearly demonstrates that it is functional and has the capacity to play a role under iron overload conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation, Aging, and Cell Death in Yeast Stress Response: Models, Mechanisms and Applications)

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Review

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24 pages, 2244 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cdk8 Kinase Module: A Mediator of Life and Death Decisions in Times of Stress

by Brittany Friedson and Katrina F. Cooper

Microorganisms 2021, 9(10), 2152; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9102152 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4762

Abstract

The Cdk8 kinase module (CKM) of the multi-subunit mediator complex plays an essential role in cell fate decisions in response to different environmental cues. In the budding yeast S. cerevisiae, the CKM consists of four conserved subunits (cyclin C and its cognate [...] Read more.

The Cdk8 kinase module (CKM) of the multi-subunit mediator complex plays an essential role in cell fate decisions in response to different environmental cues. In the budding yeast S. cerevisiae, the CKM consists of four conserved subunits (cyclin C and its cognate cyclin-dependent kinase Cdk8, Med13, and Med12) and predominantly negatively regulates a subset of stress responsive genes (SRG’s). Derepression of these SRG’s is accomplished by disassociating the CKM from the mediator, thus allowing RNA polymerase II-directed transcription. In response to cell death stimuli, cyclin C translocates to the mitochondria where it induces mitochondrial hyper-fission and promotes regulated cell death (RCD). The nuclear release of cyclin C requires Med13 destruction by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). In contrast, to protect the cell from RCD following SRG induction induced by nutrient deprivation, cyclin C is rapidly destroyed by the UPS before it reaches the cytoplasm. This enables a survival response by two mechanisms: increased ATP production by retaining reticular mitochondrial morphology and relieving CKM-mediated repression on autophagy genes. Intriguingly, nitrogen starvation also stimulates Med13 destruction but through a different mechanism. Rather than destruction via the UPS, Med13 proteolysis occurs in the vacuole (yeast lysosome) via a newly identified Snx4-assisted autophagy pathway. Taken together, these findings reveal that the CKM regulates cell fate decisions by both transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms, placing it at a convergence point between cell death and cell survival pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation, Aging, and Cell Death in Yeast Stress Response: Models, Mechanisms and Applications)

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