PKA-regulated carbohydrate production protects cells by altering cytoplasmic biophysical properties
Proliferating cells maintain their cytoplasmic density within a narrow range but deviate when entering quiescence or experiencing stress, suggesting active regulation. The mechanisms driving these density adjustments and their impact on cellular function remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the conserved cAMP-activated protein kinase A (PKA) is a key regulator of cytoplasmic properties.…
Cells maintain a consistent cytoplasmic density, but this changes when they shift from active growth to a dormant state or face challenging conditions. The factors controlling these density alterations and their effects on cellular operation are not fully understood. In this study, researchers reveal that the PKA protein kinase, a widely conserved enzyme, plays a crucial role in controlling cytoplasmic characteristics.
When PKA is inactive, the cytoplasmic dry mass density significantly increases, and diffusion is reduced. This alteration is influenced by the environmental stress response (ESR) factors Msn2/4. The shift is caused by the buildup of glycogen and trehalose, two sugars that have contrasting impacts on intracellular movement. Crucially, the accumulation of these carbohydrates enhances resilience to stress in various manners, regardless of their function as energy sources.
The research emphasizes the significance of the cytoplasmic's physical traits in enhancing stress resistance and the part of glycogen and trehalose in managing these attributes.
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