Identification of a complex genetic network underlying Saccharomyces cerevisiae colony morphology.

ABSTRACT: When grown on solid substrates, different microorganisms often form colonies with very specific morphologies. Whereas the pioneers of microbiology often used colony morphology to discriminate between species and strains, the phenomenon has not received much attention recently. In this study, we use a genome-wide assay in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to identify all genes that affect colony morphology. We show that several major signalling cascades, including the MAPK, TORC, SNF1 and RIM101 pathways play a role, indicating that morphological changes are a reaction to changing environments. Other genes that affect colony morphology are involved in protein sorting and epigenetic regulation. Interestingly, the screen reveals only few genes that are likely to play a direct role in e

SUBMITTER: Voordeckers K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3470922 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature