PNNL

Abstract

In this report, we present coordinated observation of protein and mRNA transcript counts at single cell level of the oleaginous yeast model Yarrowia lipolytica. The transcription factor XBP1p regulates entry into a quiescent state, representing a shift of resources to sequestration of nutrients rather than cell division. For this work, by single molecule fluorescence in-situ hybridization and qPCR, we observed responses of wild type and delta-XBP1 cells for protein (fluorescence) and transcript quantification and localization at both a single cell level and population averaged level, in response to nitrogen depletion, a condition that drives lipid accumulation. Overall, these techniques reveal a complex and heterogeneous population of XBP1 dynamics and downstream regulation. Our findings support a need for single-cell resolution analyses to describe cellular dynamics and regulatory processes.