Regulation of phosphate acquisition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Membrane transport systems active in cellular inorganic phosphate (Pi) acquisition play a key role in maintaining cellular Pi homeostasis, independent of whether the cell is a unicellular microorganism or is contained in the tissue of a higher eukaryotic organism. Since unicellular eukaryotes such as yeast interact directly with the nutritious environment, regulation of Pi transport is maintained solely by transduction of nutrient signals across the plasma membrane. The individual yeast cell thus recognizes nutrients that can act as both signals and sustenance. The present review provides an overview of Pi acquisition via the plasma membrane Pi transporters of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the regulation of internal Pi stores under the prevailing Pi status.