Heterogeneity in S. cerevisiae

Nongenetic heterogeneity in isogenic populations is thought to contribute to overall fitness. In the context of synthetic biology, the emergence of subpopulations of cells with differing metabolic activities reduces the productivity of engineered microbes as producers and non-producers compete for resources. The mechanisms behind such heterogeneity are also thought to contribute to antibiotic persistence as well. Subsequently, the aim of this PhD project will be to investigate the underlying mechanisms that lead to nongenetic heterogeneity and the emergence of metabolically distinct subpopulations using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism.