Prion switching in response to environmental stress
2008
Prion Switching in Response to Environmental Stress
Sample size: 4700
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Jens Tyedmers, Maria Lucia Madariaga, Susan Lindquist
Primary Institution: Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Hypothesis
The frequency of prion [PSI+] appearance increases with environmental stress, suggesting it may enhance evolvability.
Conclusion
The study found that exposure to various stressful conditions significantly increases the frequency of [PSI+] induction in yeast.
Supporting Evidence
- Prion induction increased by as much as 60-fold under stress.
- The severity of stress correlated with the frequency of [PSI+] induction.
- Approximately 25% of the phenotypes produced by [PSI+] are advantageous.
- Stress response genes were prominent in the genome-wide screen.
- Prion [PSI+] is linked to the acquisition of new phenotypes.
Takeaway
When yeast face stress, they can switch to a special state that helps them adapt and evolve faster.
Methodology
The study used a genome-wide screen to identify genetic factors influencing [PSI+] induction under stress.
Participant Demographics
Yeast strains were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website