High-resolution live cell imaging to define ultrastructural and dynamic features of the halotolerant yeast Debaryomyces hansenii

Martha S.C. Xelhuantzi, Daniel Ghete, Amy Milburn, Savvas Ioannou, Phoebe Mudd, Grant Calder, José Ramos, Peter J. O’Toole, Paul G. Genever, Chris MacDonald*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Although some budding yeasts have proved tractable and intensely studied models, others are more recalcitrant. Debaryomyces hansenii, an important yeast species in food and biotechnological industries with curious physiological characteristics, has proved difficult to manipulate genetically and remains poorly defined. To remedy this, we have combined live cell fluorescent dyes with high-resolution imaging techniques to define the sub-cellular features of D. hansenii, such as the mitochondria, nuclei, vacuoles and the cell wall. Using these tools, we define biological processes like the cell cycle, organelle inheritance and various membrane trafficking pathways of D. hansenii for the first time. Beyond this, reagents designed to study Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins were used to access proteomic information about D. hansenii. Finally, we optimised the use of label-free holotomography to image yeast, defining the physical parameters and visualising sub-cellular features like membranes and vacuoles. Not only does this work shed light on D. hansenii but this combinatorial approach serves as a template for how other cell biological systems, which are not amenable to standard genetic procedures, can be studied.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberbio060519
Number of pages12
JournalBiology Open
Volume13
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jul 2024

Bibliographical note

© 2024. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd

Keywords

  • Debaryomyces hansenii
  • Holotomography
  • Membrane trafficking
  • Organelle organisation
  • Super resolution microscopy

Cite this