Unidirectional P-body transport during the yeast cell cycle.

Cecilia Garmendia-Torres,Carl Hansen,Sean A Michael,Paul A Wiggins,Gregory A Cary,Didier Falconnet,Alexander Skupin,Pekka Ruusuvuori,Nathan J Kuwada,Aimée M Dudley,Joseph Schacherer

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0099428

Cecilia Garmendia-Torres, Carl Hansen + Show 9 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099428

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Abstract

P-bodies belong to a large family of RNA granules that are associated with post-transcriptional gene regulation, conserved from yeast to mammals, and influence biological processes ranging from germ cell development to neuronal plasticity. RNA granules can also transport RNAs to specific locations. Germ granules transport maternal RNAs to the embryo, and neuronal granules transport RNAs long distances to the synaptic dendrites. Here we combine microfluidic-based fluorescent microscopy of single cells and automated image analysis to follow p-body dynamics during cell division in yeast. Our results demonstrate that these highly dynamic granules undergo a unidirectional transport from the mother to the daughter cell during mitosis as well as a constrained “hovering” near the bud site half an hour before the bud is observable. Both behaviors are dependent on the Myo4p/She2p RNA transport machinery. Furthermore, single cell analysis of cell size suggests that PBs play an important role in daughter cell growth under nutrient limiting conditions.

Highlights

RNA granules are aggregates of translationally silenced mRNA and associated proteins that appear as cytoplasmic foci
Our results demonstrate that under low glucose conditions, these highly dynamic granules undergo a unidirectional transport from the mother to the daughter cell during mitosis
Fluctuating external conditions present a challenge for studying PB dynamics, especially in processes such as the cell cycle that occur over relatively long time scales

Summary

Introduction

RNA granules are aggregates of translationally silenced mRNA and associated proteins that appear as cytoplasmic foci. RNA granules are found throughout the eukaryotic lineage and influence biological processes ranging from germ cell development to neuronal plasticity [1,2]. Many of these RNA granules transport RNA to specific locations. In C. elegans and Drosophila, germ granules transport maternal RNAs from the oocyte to the embryo [3]. Neuronal granules transport RNA over long distances to the synaptic dendrites where translation can initiate in response to stimulation [4]. Disrupting proper localization of these granules contributes to developmental and neurological diseases [5]

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