Molecular communication: Crosstalk between the Snf1 and other signaling pathways

Abstract

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae employs different conserved signaling pathways to adapt to altered availability of nutrient and energy sources. Crosstalk between the pathways occurs to integrate different internal and external stimuli and adjust cellular metabolism, growth and proliferation to altered environmental conditions. The main glucose repression pathway, Snf1/Mig1, plays an essential role in adaptation to glucose limitation. However, the Snf1 protein kinase is also involved in regulation of many other cellular processes. We summarize evidence that Snf1 is part of a network of communicating pathways, and we suggest research directions that may help elucidating signal flow within this network.