Role of sterol metabolism and endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of proteins in cold adaptation of yeasts

Abstract

The environmental conditions of organisms have significant impact on their ability to grow and thrive. This chapter summarizes recent research related to the understanding of cellular mechanisms necessary for psychrophilic yeasts to overcome molecular challenges present in low-temperature environments. In an effort to identify adaptive mechanisms that allow psychrophilic yeasts to thrive in cold environments, a high number of studies have been done to investigate the low-temperature response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The focus of this chapter is on evidence that the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway and membrane metabolism regulation are connected to the cellular response and adaptation to low temperature in yeasts. Specific consideration is given to three genes in the ERAD pathway, UBC7, CUE1, and DOA10, which play a role in cold adaptation and regulating membrane composition in S. cerevisiae.