Genome-Wide Screen of Desiccation Essential Genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The ability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to recover from a desiccated state requires the coordinated response of many genes. Surprisingly, little is known about the details of this response. The completion of the Saccharomyces Genome Deletion Project (1999) has created the possibility to conduct a genome-wide screen of mutants whose gene deletion leads to a lethal phenotype after a desiccation and subsequent rehydration. A high throughput protocol was developed to screen the mutants. Selected mutants were then investigated morphologically utilizing a laser scanning confocal microscope. Data inferred from the knockout studies suggests genes responsible for metabolism, stress, and membrane structure/organization are key to desiccation survival. Images of mutants confirm cell structure and organization are crucial to survival. In conclusion, the response of S. cerevisiae to desiccation and rehydration is a coordinated event involving significant reorganization and restructuring of the cell.