Investigating the role of a yeast membrane protein, HSP30 in tolerance to ethanol stress

One of the contributors of the widespread interest the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has received is its ability to yield and tolerate high levels of ethanol. S. cerevisiae is able to grow and remain viable in growth media containing ethanol concentrations as high as 19.8% (w/v), a level that is toxic to many other microorganisms. Since production of ethanol is a normal event in the growth cycyle of S. cerevisiae, this organisms has evolved a number of mechanisms to cope with deleterious effects of ethanol. These include induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Among these, HSP30 is particularly interesting in that it is the only stress-induced protein known to be instrinsically bound to the yeast plasma membrane. Another ethanol induced HSP; HSP12 has previously been shown to have a peripheral plasma membrane localisation. It has further been shown that HSP12 protects liposomes against damage by ethanol. This study was initially aimed at investigating whether there is co-operation between HSP30 and HSP12 in this membrane protection role.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Tsekoa, Tsepo

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Lindsey, George G
• Brandt, Wolf F

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/4342

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/4342