Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.3390/s131114511
Title (Primary) Temporal and spatial properties of a yeast multi-cellular amplification system based on signal molecule diffusion
Author Jahn, M.; Mölle, A.; Rödel, G.; Ostermann, K.
Source Titel Sensors
Year 2013
Department UMB
Volume 13
Issue 11
Page From 14511
Page To 14522
Language englisch
Keywords microbial biosensor; yeast; alpha (α)–factor; fluorescence; immobilization; agarose; modular signaling/amplification system
UFZ wide themes RU3;
Abstract We report on the spatial and temporal signaling properties of a yeast pheromone-based cell communication and amplifier system. It utilizes the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mating response pathway and relies on diffusion of the pheromone α–factor as key signaling molecule between two cell types. One cell type represents the α–factor secreting sensor part and the other the reporter part emitting fluorescence upon activation. Although multi-cellular signaling systems promise higher specificity and modularity, the complex interaction of the cells makes prediction of sensor performance difficult. To test the maximum distance and response time between sensor and reporter cells, the two cell types were spatially separated in defined compartments of agarose hydrogel (5 ´ 5 mm) and reconnected by diffusion of the yeast pheromone. Different ratios of sensor to reporter cells were tested to evaluate the minimum amount of sensor cells required for signal transduction. Even the smallest ratio, one α–factor-secreting cell to twenty reporter cells, generated a distinct fluorescence signal. When using a 1:1 ratio, the secreted pheromone induced fluorescence in a distance of up to four millimeters after six hours. We conclude from both our experimental results and a mathematical diffusion model that in our approach: (1) the maximum dimension of separated compartments should not exceed five millimeters in gradient direction; and (2) the time-limiting step is not diffusion of the signaling molecule but production of the reporter protein.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=14612
Jahn, M., Mölle, A., Rödel, G., Ostermann, K. (2013):
Temporal and spatial properties of a yeast multi-cellular amplification system based on signal molecule diffusion
Sensors 13 (11), 14511 - 14522 10.3390/s131114511