Osmoregulation and glycerol metabolism in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

Glycerol is the main compatible solute in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is accumulated intracellularly when cells are exposed to decreased extracellular water activity. In general, increased intracellular accumulation of a solute may be caused by enhanced production, restricted dissimilation, increased retention by the plasma membrane and increased uptake from the medium. In this review, we evaluate current knowledge concerning mechanisms leading to the accumulation of glycerol in osmotically stressed cells of S. cerevisiae at the molecular and metabolic levels. An overview of glycerol metabolism in S. cerevisiae is provided.