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 Free
How to cope with (osmotic) stress. J Cell Sci 15 December 2008; 121 (24): e2404. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Special Issue – Cell Biology of Mitochondria

Our special issue on ‘Cell Biology of Mitochondria’ is now complete. Explore this issue and read the Editorial from our Guest Editors Ana J. García-Sáez and Heidi McBride.
Save the date – Imaging Cell Dynamics

We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting a 2026 Imaging Cell Dynamics meeting. This meeting will provide a unique opportunity to bring together experts working at the interface between cell biology and imaging. Save the date for 11-14 May 2026 and register for more information.
Mitochondria–membranous organelle contacts at a glance

Antigoni Diokmetzidou and Luca Scorrano provide an overview of contacts between mitochondria and other membranous organelles, describing the interorganelle tethers involved and the factors that regulate the composition and functions of such contacts.
JCS-FocalPlane Training Grants

Early-career researchers - working in an area covered by JCS - who would like to attend a microscopy training course, please apply. Deadline dates for 2025 applications: 6 June 2025 (decision by week commencing 28 July 2025) and 5 September 2025 (decision by week commencing 20 October 2025).
JCS fast-track option

Have a paper that has been reviewed elsewhere? JCS is pleased to consider such manuscripts for fast-tracked decision making. Send us your manuscript together with the full set of reviews and decision letters, and we will make an initial decision within one week.
Help shape your future publishing experience

We are gathering feedback from our readers, authors and reviewers, to help us shape the next 100 years and to keep offering a publishing experience that truly supports our community. Please have your say by completing our community survey. Survey closes on 25 June.