Yeast gene expression during growth at low temperature

Gene expression during growth at low temperature in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated by means of DNA microarray analysis. A large number of genes showed an increase or decrease in expression at 4degreesC relative to 25degreesC. Although a temperature shift was not performed, differential expression of the cold shock genes TIP1, TIR1, TIR2, and NSR1 was observed. These genes may be necessary for growth at temperatures as low as 4degreesC as well as for adapting to rapid drops in temperature. A new class of genes, many with unknown functions, was found to be induced during growth at low temperature. We propose to call these genes low temperature growth genes. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA), All rights reserved.