In the fission yeast S. pombe, the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons are crucial for polarised growth. Conditions of osmotic stress perturb growth in several ways (for instance, F-actin dissociates from growing tips and microtubules become static) – but what are the signalling pathways that mediate cell recovery? To address this question, Alasdair Robertson and Iain Hagan (p. 4055) investigate the impact of the stress-response MAP kinase pathway (SRP) and the actin-modulating kinase Ssp1 on the recovery of osmotically stressed S. pombe. The authors demonstrate that SRP signalling promotes the resumption of microtubule dynamics by activating the transcription factor Atf1. They show that the timely recovery of tip growth requires the activity of the SRP-pathway MAP kinase Sty1, whereas Ssp1 maintains correct polarity of tip growth. Moreover, Ssp1 and Wsh3 (an SRP-associated polarity factor) are required to select the correct site for polarised tip extension. Notably, the authors show that the cell-cycle kinase Polo – which is phosphorylated to promote recovery of tip growth in response to other environmental stresses – is not required for growth recovery after osmotic stress. These results identify key features of stress-response signalling in S. pombe, and highlight the specificity of cellular responses to distinct stresses.
How to cope with (osmotic) stress
How to cope with (osmotic) stress. J Cell Sci 15 December 2008; 121 (24): e2404. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Reasons to submit to Journal of Cell Science

There are many benefits to publishing in Journal of Cell Science - read more about why you should choose JCS or visit our submission page now.
Call for papers: Cell and Tissue Polarity
-PolarityCFP.png?versionId=5161)
We are welcoming submissions for our next special issue, which will focus on ‘Cell and tissue polarity’ and will be guest edited by David Bryant. Submission deadline: 15 July.
The Forest of Biologists

The Forest of Biologists is a biodiversity initiative created by The Company of Biologists, with support from the Woodland Trust. For every Research and Review article published in Journal of Cell Science a native tree is planted in a UK forest. In addition to this we are protecting and restoring ancient woodland and are dedicating these trees to our peer reviewers. Visit our virtual forest to learn more.
Propose a new Workshop for 2025

Do you have an idea for a Workshop? We are now accepting proposals for our 2025 Biologists Workshops programme. As the scientific organiser, your involvement will be focused on the science. We'll take care of all the logistics. In 2025 we'll continue our efforts to diversify our Workshop programme and will be reserving one of our Workshops for an application from a Global South (GS) country to host an event overseas.
FocalPlane Image Competition 2023

FocalPlane’s 2023 image competition is underway, in celebration of the community site’s third birthday. Click here for submission details and information on how to showcase your favourite image.