Resumen de Light-induced rhythmic changes in thermotolerance in stationary-phase cells of "Candida utilis"

Miguel A. Lapeña, María Jerónima Vicente Soler, Teresa Soto Pino, María Isabel Madrid Mateo, Andrés Núñez, Encarnación García, José Cansado Vizoso, Mariano José Gacto Fernández

• In synchronized light-dark cycles, stationary-phase cultures of the budding yeast Candida utilis were able to survive heat treatment at 50ºC with an apparent circadian-like rhythm related to the onset of light. However, in continuous darkness this pattern did not run freely and was markedly dampened. We discuss these findings in terms of the potential circadian control of heat tolerance, which has been described in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Our results suggest that the resistance pattern observed in C. utilis is most likely an adaptive response to the light-induced generation of reactive oxygen species rather than the occurrence of a truly endogenous circadian rhythm.