Effects of Low-Shear Modeled Microgravity on Cell Function, Gene Expression, and Phenotype in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.03050-05
• Publication Date: 2006-07-07T01:51:13Z
• Authors: B. Purevdorj-Gage; K. B. Sheehan; L. E. Hyman
• Keywords: Cell polarity; Budding

ABSTRACT Only limited information is available concerning the effects of low-shear modeled microgravity (LSMMG) on cell function and morphology. We examined behavior Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown in a high-aspect-ratio vessel, which simulates conditions encountered spaceflight. With exception shortened lag phase (90 min less than controls; P < 0.05), yeast cells under LSMMG did not differ growth rate, size, shape, or viability from controls but establishment polarity as exhibited by aberrant (random) budding compared to usual bipolar pattern controls. The was accompanied an increased tendency clump, indicated aggregates containing five more cells. also found significant changes (greater equal twofold) expression genes associated with ( BUD5 ), RAX1 , RAX2 BUD25 separation DSE1 DSE2 EGT2 ). Thus, environments may significantly alter gene phenotype well evolutionary conserved cellular functions such polarization. results provide paradigm for understanding polarity-dependent responses ranging pathogenesis fungi immune response mammals.