Pathways and Mechanisms of Yeast Competence: A New Frontier of Yeast Genetics

Abstract

Spontaneous yeast competence for exogenous DNA uptake is powered by naturally occurring cell traits/processes controlled by genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, yeast transformability is defined as a complex, quantitative genetic trait which may have contributed to fungal evolution. Such contemplation has elucidated comprehensive mechanisms of natural competence involved in spontaneous yeast transformation under environmental conditions. Moreover, several recent reports have identified many genes and/or entire cell processes responsible for the phenomenon in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, this is hardly the case for many non-Saccharomyces species significantly important to humanity. Therefore, knowledge on pathways/mechanisms of eukaryotic competence is still only partial, inconclusive and not comprehensive. For instance, although we can line up all the necessary steps leading to transformation, we still lack fundamental knowledge to logically assemble them. Obviously, many important questions still remain open to a more systematic and targeted approach that will paradigmatically broaden our knowledge on the subject.