SummarySignal transduction mediated by the single yeast isozyme of protein kinase C (Pkc1p) is essential for the maintenance of cellular integrity in this model eukaryote. The past few years have seen a dramatic increase in our knowledge of the upstream regulatory factors that modulate Pkc1p activity (e.g. Tor2p, Rom1p, Rom2p, Rho1p, Slg1p, Mid2p) and of the downstream targets of the MAP kinase cascade triggered by it (e.g. Rlm1p, SBF complex). The picture that has emerged connects this pathway to a variety of other cellular processes, such as cell cycle progression (Cdc28p, Swi4p), mating (Ste20p), nutrient sensing (Ira1p), calcium homeostasis (calcineurin, Mid2p, Fks2p) and the structural dynamics of the cytoskeleton (Spa1p, Bni1p).

Here we report on in vivo measurement of the mechanical behavior of a cell surface sensor using single-molecule atomic force microscopy. We focus on the yeast wall stress component sensor Wsc1, a plasma membrane protein that is thought to function as a rigid probe of the cell wall status. We first map the distribution of individual histidine-tagged sensors on living yeast cells by scanning the cell surface with atomic force microscopy tips carrying nitrilotriacetate groups. We then show that Wsc1 behaves like a linear nanospring that is capable of resisting high mechanical force and of responding to cell surface stress. Both a genomic pmt4 deletion and the insertion of a stretch of glycines in Wsc1 result in substantial alterations in protein spring properties, supporting the important role of glycosylation at the extracellular serine/threonine-rich region.

Type I interferons (IFNs) are multifunctional cytokines that regulate immune responses and cellular functions but also can have detrimental effects on human health. A tight regulatory network therefore controls IFN signaling, which in turn interferes with medical interventions. The JAK-STAT signaling pathway transmits the IFN extracellular signal to the nucleus for alterations of gene expression. STAT2 is a well-known essential and specific positive effector of type I IFN signaling. Here, we report that STAT2 is also a previously unrecognized crucial component of the USP18-mediated negative feedback control in both, human and murine cells. We found that STAT2 recruits USP18 to the type I IFN receptor subunit IFNAR2 via its constitutive membrane-distal STAT2 binding site. This mechanistic coupling of effector and negative feedback functions of STAT2 provides novel strategies in treatment of IFN signaling related human diseases.

Recent analyses indicate that differences in protein concentrations are only 20%–40% attributable to variable mRNA levels, underlining the importance of posttranscriptional regulation. Generally, protein concentrations depend on the translation rate (which is proportional to the translational activity, TA) and the degradation rate. By integrating 12 publicly available large-scale datasets and additional database information of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we systematically analyzed five factors contributing to TA: mRNA concentration, ribosome density, ribosome occupancy, the codon adaptation index, and a newly developed “tRNA adaptation index.” Our analysis of the functional relationship between the TA and measured protein concentrations suggests that the TA follows Michaelis–Menten kinetics. The calculated TA, together with measured protein concentrations, allowed us to estimate degradation rates for 4,125 proteins under standard conditions. A significant correlation to recently published degradation rates supports our approach. Moreover, based on a newly developed scoring system, we identified and analyzed genes subjected to the posttranscriptional regulation mechanism, translation on demand. Next we applied these findings to publicly available data of protein and mRNA concentrations under four stress conditions. The integration of these measurements allowed us to compare the condition-specific responses at the posttranscriptional level. Our analysis of all 62 proteins that have been measured under all four conditions revealed proteins with very specific posttranscriptional stress response, in contrast to more generic responders, which were nonspecifically regulated under several conditions. The concept of specific and generic responders is known for transcriptional regulation. Here we show that it also holds true at the posttranscriptional level.

Elucidating the biology of yeast in its full complexity has major implications for science, medicine and industry. One of the most critical processes determining yeast life and physiology is cellular demise. However, the investigation of yeast cell death is a relatively young field, and a widely accepted set of concepts and terms is still missing. Here, we propose unified criteria for the definition of accidental, regulated, and programmed forms of cell death in yeast based on a series of morphological and biochemical criteria. Specifically, we provide consensus guidelines on the differential definition of terms including apoptosis, regulated necrosis, and autophagic cell death, as we refer to additional cell death routines that are relevant for the biology of (at least some species of) yeast. As this area of investigation advances rapidly, changes and extensions to this set of recommendations will be implemented in the years to come. Nonetheless, we strongly encourage the authors, reviewers and editors of scientific articles to adopt these collective standards in order to establish an accurate framework for yeast cell death research and, ultimately, to accelerate the progress of this vibrant field of research.