Stationary phase in yeast

Eukaryotic cell proliferation is controlled by specific growth factors and the availability of essential nutrients. If either of these signals is lacking, cells may enter into a specialized nondividing resting state, known as stationary phase or G(0). The entry into such resting states is typically accompanied by a dramatic decrease in the overall growth rate and an increased resistance to a variety of environmental stresses. Since most cells spend most of their life in these quiescent states, it is important that we develop a full understanding of the biology of the stationary phase/G(0) cell. This knowledge would provide important insights into the control of two of the most fundamental aspects of eukaryotic cell biology: cell proliferation and long-term cell survival. This review will discuss some recent advances in our understanding of the stationary phase of growth in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.