Impact of cell volume on the evolutionary trajectories of eukaryotic cells
Cell size is a central aspect of the biology of most living systems. It plays a key role in virtually all aspects of cell biology, from intracellular organization and biochemistry to the way cells interact with their environment. Surprisingly, while the mechanisms underlying short-term cell size homeostasis have been the focus of intense investigation, little is known about the interplay between cell volume and the long-term behavior of eukaryotic cells. In particular, the role of cell size on the way cells evolve in changing conditions remains unknown. To address this question, we combined experimental evolution assays with an unprecedented model in fission yeast that allows us to generate distinct populations of genetically identical cells with different average cell sizes. Using hyperosmotic stress as a proof-of-concept environment, we therefore explored whether cell size can influence the evolutionary trajectories of cells exposed to deleterious conditions. Remarkably, we demonstrate that in this context, initial cell volume has a critical impact on cellular adaptation at the phenotypic, genetic and mechanistic levels. This provides us with the first evidence that cell size is not only modulated throughout evolution, but can also be a driver of the adaptive strategies of eukaryotic cells.
Cell size is a central aspect of the biology of most living systems. It plays a key role in virtually all aspects of cell biology, from intracellular organization and biochemistry to the way cells interact with their environment. Surprisingly, while the mechanisms underlying short-term cell size homeostasis have been the focus of intense investigation, little is known about the interplay between cell volume and the long-term behavior of eukaryotic cells. In particular, the role of cell size on the way cells evolve in changing conditions remains unknown. To address this question, we combined experimental evolution assays with an unprecedented model in fission yeast that allows us to generate distinct populations of genetically identical cells with different average cell sizes. Using hyperosmotic stress as a proof-of-concept environment, we therefore explored whether cell size can influence the evolutionary trajectories of cells exposed to deleterious conditions. Remarkably, we demonstrate that in this context, initial cell volume has a critical impact on cellular adaptation at the phenotypic, genetic and mechanistic levels. This provides us with the first evidence that cell size is not only modulated throughout evolution, but can also be a driver of the adaptive strategies of eukaryotic cells.
EURECOM