Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Biology

Committee Chair

Jennifer Gallagher

Committee Co-Chair

Rita Rio

Committee Member

Craig Barrett

Abstract

Saccharomyces cerevisiae are yeast that are unicellular eukaryotic organisms that are well studied as a model organism for understanding fundamental cellular processes. The ability of yeast to sense nutrient availability is crucial for their survival, growth, and reproduction. Yeast cells use various mechanisms to sense and respond to nutrient availability, including transporter-mediated uptake, receptor-mediated signaling, and sensing of metabolites. The subcellular localization of nutrient-sensing components is crucial for yeast function in nutrient sensing and signaling. Protein complexes, such as the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, in nutrient sensing and response, as well as the downstream effects of these pathways on yeast metabolism and physiology, are vital. This information is critical to understanding cellular homeostasis mechanisms and may provide insights into the origins of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiomyopathy. Yeast can utilize various carbon sources for energy and biomass synthesis, and regulating this process involves multiple signaling pathways, transcriptional networks, and post-translational modifications. Glucose is the preferred carbon source, and its utilization is regulated by the Ras/cAMP/PKA, Snf1/AMPK, and TOR pathways. Other environmental factors, including pH, temperature, and oxygen availability, also influence carbon source utilization in yeast. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in yeast carbon source regulation is crucial for developing new biotechnological applications. Additionally, this thesis aims to elucidate the potential effects of various stressors, including caffeine, hydroxyurea, cycloheximide, camptothecin, NaCl, ethanol, and hydrogen peroxide, on yeast growth in mutants lacking different isozymes of SNF1 and its USAKs, which are poorly characterized for non-carbon source-related stressors. This research will provide insight into the role of SNF1 and its USAKs in stress response and cell growth.

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