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Monitoring single-cell dynamics of entry into quiescence during an unperturbed life cycle.

Authors :
Jacquel B
Aspert T
Laporte D
Sagot I
Charvin G
Source :
ELife [Elife] 2021 Nov 01; Vol. 10. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Nov 01.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

The life cycle of microorganisms is associated with dynamic metabolic transitions and complex cellular responses. In yeast, how metabolic signals control the progressive choreography of structural reorganizations observed in quiescent cells during a natural life cycle remains unclear. We have developed an integrated microfluidic device to address this question, enabling continuous single-cell tracking in a batch culture experiencing unperturbed nutrient exhaustion to unravel the coordination between metabolic and structural transitions within cells. Our technique reveals an abrupt fate divergence in the population, whereby a fraction of cells is unable to transition to respiratory metabolism and undergoes a reversible entry into a quiescence-like state leading to premature cell death. Further observations reveal that nonmonotonous internal pH fluctuations in respiration-competent cells orchestrate the successive waves of protein superassemblies formation that accompany the entry into a bona fide quiescent state. This ultimately leads to an abrupt cytosolic glass transition that occurs stochastically long after proliferation cessation. This new experimental framework provides a unique way to track single-cell fate dynamics over a long timescale in a population of cells that continuously modify their ecological niche.<br />Competing Interests: BJ, TA, DL, IS, GC No competing interests declared<br /> (© 2021, Jacquel et al.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2050-084X
Volume :
10
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
ELife
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
34723791
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.73186