Division of labour in the yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

Division of labour between different specialized cell types is a central part of how we describe complexity in multicellular organisms. However, it is increasingly being recognized that division of labour also plays an important role in the lives of predominantly unicellular organisms. Saccharomyces cerevisiae displays several phenotypes that could be considered a division of labour, including quiescence, apoptosis and biofilm formation, but they have not been explicitly treated as such. We discuss each of these examples, using a definition of division of labour that involves phenotypic variation between cells within a population, cooperation between cells performing different tasks and maximization of the inclusive fitness of all cells involved. We then propose future research directions and possible experimental tests using S. cerevisiae as a model organism for understanding the genetic mechanisms and selective pressures that can lead to the evolution of the very first stages of a division of labour. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Metabolic constraints drive self-organization of specialized cell groups

“…Indeed, most microbes show some such complex, heterogeneous cell behavior, for example in the extensive spatial organization within clonal bacterial biofilms and swarms (Kearns et al, 2004; Kolter, 2007), or in the individuality exhibited in Escherichia coli populations (Spudich and Koshland, 1976). Despite its popular perception as a unicellular microbe, natural isolates of the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae , also form phenotypically heterogeneous, multicellular communities (Cáp et al, 2012; Koschwanez et al, 2011; Palková and Váchová, 2016; Ratcliff et al, 2012; Váchová and Palková, 2018; Veelders et al, 2010; Wloch-Salamon et al, 2017). However, despite striking descriptions on the nature and development of phenotypically heterogeneous states within groups of cells, the rules governing the emergence and maintenance of new phenotypic states within isogenic cell populations remain unclear.…”

Multicellular Group Formation in <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em>

“…There has been a wealth of research on multicellularity in yeast on mechanisms [17,19], genetics [18] and social evolution [20,39,50,51,54]. However, we suggest that there is an opportunity to synthesize this research within the major evolutionary transitions framework and to capitalise on an incredibly useful experimental system for studying the first stages of multicellularity.…”

Aspects of Multicellularity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast: A Review of Evolutionary and Physiological Mechanisms

“…Cell differentiation of an initially identical, undifferentiated unicellular population is driven by the fitness advantages of heterogeneity, which can promote the possibility of division of labour between cells [ 6 , 33 ]. As an adaptation to specific life conditions even simple, unicellular organisms collectively perform tasks that cannot be as efficiently accomplished solitarily.…”