Revisiting yeast trehalose metabolism

Establishing the function of trehalose in yeast cells has led us, over the years, through a long path-from simple energy storage carbohydrate, then a stabilizer and protector of membranes and proteins, through a safety valve against damage caused by oxygen radicals, up to regulator of the glycolytic path. In addition, trehalose biosynthesis has been proposed as a target for novel drugs against several pathogens. Since this pathway is entirely absent in mammalian cells and makes use of highly specific enzymes, trehalose metabolism might be an interesting target for the development of novel therapies. In this review, we want to address some recent points investigated about trehalose metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, focusing mainly on the mechanism by which this simple disaccharide protects against stress and on the enzymes involved in its synthesis and breakdown. We believe that these concepts are of great importance for medical and biotechnological applications.