Yarrowia lipolytica is a yeast with many talents, one of them being the production of citric acid. Although the citrate biosynthesis is well studied, little is known about the transport mechanism by which citrate is exported. To gain better insight into this mechanism, we set out to identify a transporter involved in citrate export of Y. lipolytica. A total of five proteins were selected for analysis

The yeast Lachancea thermotolerans is of significant biotechnological interest, and selected strains of this species have become commonly used starter cultures in wine fermentation. However, the impact of this species on wine is frequently limited by the rapid dominance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains which are better adapted to wine alcoholic fermentation conditions. Previous studies have shown

Ustilago maydis is a Basidiomycota fungus, in which very little is known about its mechanisms of cell survival and death. To date, only the role of metacaspase1, acetate and hydrogen peroxide as inducers of cell death has been investigated.

Dysfunction or capacity shortage of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is cumulatively called ER stress and provokes the unfolded protein response (UPR). In various yeast species, the ER-located transmembrane protein Ire1 is activated upon ER stress and performs the splicing reaction of HAC1 mRNA, the mature form of which is translated into a transcription factor protein that is responsible for the transcriptome

Aureobasidium pullulans is the most abundant and ubiquitous species within the genus and is also considered a core component of the grape juice microflora. So far, a small number of other Aureobasidium species have been reported, that in contrast to A. pullulans, appear far more constrained to specific habitats. It is unknown whether grape juice is a reservoir of novel Aureobasidium species, overlooked

Limonene, a valuable cyclic monoterpene, has been broadly studied in recent decades due to its wide application in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Engineering of the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica for fermentation of renewable biomass lignocellulosic hydrolysate may reduce the cost and improve the economics of bioconversion for the production of limonene. The aim of this study was to

Inositol polyphosphates (IPs) is an important family of signaling molecules that regulate multiple cellular processes, such as chromatin remodeling, transcription and mRNA export. Inositol polyphosphate kinases, as the critical enzymes for production and transformation of IPs, directly determine the intracellular levels of IPs and therefore are involved in many cellular processes. However, its roles

Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles with their own genome and crucial to cellular material and energy metabolism. Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of a lipid-producing basidiomycetous yeast Rhodotorula toruloides NP11. The mitochondrial genome of R. toruloides NP11 was assembled into a circular DNA molecule of 125937bp, encoding 15 proteins, 28 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNA

In recent years, ‘multi-omic’ sciences have affected all aspects of fundamental and applied biological research. Yeast taxonomists, though somewhat timidly, have begun to incorporate complete genomic sequences into the description of novel taxa, taking advantage of these powerful data to calculate more reliable genetic distances, construct more robust phylogenies, correlate genotype with phenotype

Yeasts have long been used to produce alcoholic beverages and fuel ethanol. Its fast growth, well-developed genetics, robustness in large-scale fermentations and resistance to inhibitors and phages have made it the preferred microbial cell factories for production a broad range of valuable products such as biofuels, biochemicals, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Despite the successful applications

Bioethanol production from starchy biomass via consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) will benefit from amylolytic Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that produce high levels of recombinant amylases. This could be achieved by using strong promoters and modification thereof to improve gene expression under industrial conditions. This study evaluated eight endogenous S. cerevisiae promoters for the expression

The adapted industrial yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae NRRL Y-50049 is able to in situ detoxify major toxic aldehyde compounds derived from sugar conversion of lignocellulosic biomass while producing ethanol. Pathway-based studies on its mechanisms of tolerance have been reported previously, however, little is known about transposable element (TE) involvement in its adaptation to inhibitory compounds

The present study is an attempt to determine the lipid composition of Candida auris and to highlight if the changes in lipids can be correlated to high drug resistance encountered in C. auris. For this, the comparative lipidomics landscape between drug-susceptible (CBS10913T) and a resistant hospital isolate (NCCPF_470033) of C. auris was determined by employing high throughput mass spectrometry. All

ABSTRACTMany yeasts differentiate into multicellular phenotypes in adverse environmental conditions. Here, we investigate pseudohyphal growth in Komagataella phaffii and the involvement of the flocculin (FLO) gene family in its regulation. The K. phaffii FLO family consists of 13 members, and the conditions inducing pseudohyphal growth are different from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. So far, this phenotype

Hybrids originate from the mating of two diverged organisms, resulting in novel lineages that have chimeric genomes. Hybrids may exhibit unique phenotypic traits that are not necessarily intermediate between those present in the progenitors. These unique traits may enable them to thrive in new environments. Many hybrid lineages have been discovered among yeasts in the Saccharomycotina, of which many

In yeast, adaptation to varying conditions often requires proper regulation of the plasma membrane potential. To determine yeast membrane potential change, optical methods involving potentiometric dyes have been supplemental to the direct electrode-based method. However, the hydrophobic nature of the dyes and their slow distribution across the membrane still limits their utilization. Genetically encoded

The genes involved in the methionine pathway are closely associated with phospholipid homeostasis in yeast. The impact of the deletion of methionine (MET) transcriptional activators (MET31, MET32 and MET4) in lipid homeostasis is studied. Our lipid profiling data showed that aberrant phospholipid and neutral lipid accumulation occurred in met31∆ and met4∆ strains with low Met. The expression pattern

The presence of the water soluble glycerophospholipid precursors choline and inositol in culture media highly affects lipid biosynthesis and regulation thereof. We report that widely used media ingredients contain trace amounts of choline and inositol that are not mentioned on the product label, influencing experimental outcome.

Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen that can cause superficial and deep-seated infections in susceptible individuals. Despite its medical importance, the vast majority of C. albicans genes remain of unknown function. Here, we report a role for the lineage-specific gene, MRV8, in host pathogen interactions, mycelial microcolony maturation and biofilm formation. In silico analysis

Yeast autolysis refers to the process in which cells degrade and release intracellular contents under specific conditions by endogenous enzymes such as proteases, nucleases and lipid enzymes. Protein-rich baker's yeast is widely used to produce yeast extract in food industry, however, the molecular mechanism related to baker's yeast autolysis is still unclear. In this study, RNA-seq technology and

Zygosaccharomyces rouxii produces high levels of 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone in YPD medium supplemented with 120 g/L D-fructose and 180 g/L NaCl after 5 d. D-fructose has a stress effect on Z. rouxii, and GSH-Px is a main enzyme involved in the defense of Z. rouxii against oxygen stress according to our previous report. In order to further explore the molecular mechanism of the glutathione

AbstractYarrowia lipolytica is a non-conventional yeast with potential applications in the biofuel and biochemical industries. It is an oleaginous yeast that accumulates lipids when it encounters nutrient limitation in the presence of excess carbon. Its molecular toolbox includes promoters for robust constitutive expression, regulated expression through the addition of media components and inducible

The red yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides naturally produces microbial lipids and carotenoids. In the past decade or so, many studies demonstrated R. toruloides as a promising platform for lipid production owing to its diverse substrate appetites, robust stress resistance and other favorable features. Also, significant progresses have been made in genome sequencing, multi-omic analysis and genome-scale

The mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, offer a unique physicochemical environment enriched with a distinct set of enzymes, metabolites and cofactors ready to be exploited for metabolic engineering. In this review, we discuss how the mitochondrion has been engineered in the traditional sense of metabolic engineering or completely bypassed for chemical production. We then

Stress tolerance is a desired characteristic of yeast strains for industrial applications. Stress tolerance has been well described in Saccharomyces yeasts but has not yet been characterized in oleaginous Rhodotorula yeasts even though they are considered promising platforms for lipid production owing to their outstanding lipogenicity. In a previous study, the thermotolerant strain L1–1 was isolated

Considering the relevance of drug transporters belonging to ABC and MFS superfamilies in pathogenic Candida species, there has always been a need to have an overexpression system where these membrane proteins for functional analysis could be expressed in a homologous background. We could address this unmet need by constructing a highly drug-susceptible Candida glabrata strain deleted in seven dominant

First-generation (1G) fuel ethanol production in sugarcane-based biorefineries is an established economic enterprise in Brazil. Second-generation (2G) fuel ethanol from lignocellulosic materials, though extensively investigated, is currently facing severe difficulties to become economically viable. Some of the challenges inherent to these processes could be resolved by efficiently separating and partially

Cryptococcal urease is believed to be important for the degradation of exogenous urea that the yeast encounters both in its natural environment and within the human host. Endogenous urea produced by the yeast's own metabolic reactions, however, may also serve as a substrate for the urease enzyme. Using wild-type, urease-deletion mutant and urease-reconstituted strains of Cryptococcus neoformans H99

In wine production, sulfites are widely used as antimicrobials and antioxidants, whereas copper is associated with fungicides and wine fining treatments. Therefore, wine yeasts are constantly exposed to these agents. Copper tolerance is related to the copy number of the CUP1 gene, encoding for a metallothionein involved in copper detoxification. In wine yeasts, sulfite resistance mainly depends on

Cryptococcus neoformans is an important invasive fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis in humans. Its biological and pathogenic regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown, particularly due to the presence of those core transcription factors (TFs). Here, we conducted a detailed characterization of the TF Liv4 in the biology and virulence of C. neoformans. Deletion of TF

Pinostrobin, a flavonoid compound known for its diverse pharmacological actions, including anti-leukemic and anti-inflammatory activities, has been repeatedly isolated by various screenings, but its action mechanism is still obscure. Previously, pinostrobin was rediscovered in our laboratory using a yeast-based assay procedure devised specifically for the inhibitory effect on the activated Ca2+ signaling

‘Publish or Perish’ is a well-known aphorism within the academic community; every Ph.D. student undergoes a moment of realisation that their academic career is dependent on their publication output. The pressure continues with post-doctoral researchers seeking the paper that will propel them towards their next position and faculty members knowing that tenure or promotion is dependent on a strong research

Yeast self-perpetuating protein aggregates (yeast prions) provide a framework to investigate the interaction of misfolded proteins with the protein quality control machinery. The major component of this system that facilitates propagation of all known yeast amyloid prions is the Hsp104 chaperone that catalyzes fibril fragmentation. Overproduction of Hsp104 cures some yeast prions via a fragmentation-independent

Yeast mating pheromones are small secreted peptides required for efficient mating between cells of opposite mating type. Pheromone gradients allow the cells to detect potential mating partners. Secreted pheromone degrading proteases steepen local gradients and allow fast recovery from the pheromone signal. The methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii is a preferentially haploid species. Only under

Our review summarizes and compares the temporal development (eras) of antifungal drug discovery as well as antibacterial ventures. The innovation gap that occurred in antibacterial discovery from 1960 to 2000 was likely due to tailoring of existing compounds to have better activity than predecessors. Antifungal discovery also faced innovation gaps. The semi-synthetic antibiotic era was followed closely

Alpha-thujone, widely used in beverages (1–5 mg/kg), is known to have cytotoxic effects, but the mode of action and the role of potential apoptotic proteins in yeast cell death should be unraveled. In this study, we used Schizosaccharomyces pombe, which is a promising unicellular model organism in mechanistic toxicology and cell biology, to investigate the involvement of pro-apoptotic factors in a

Starmerella bombicola very efficiently produces the secondary metabolites sophorolipids (SLs). Their biosynthesis is not-growth associated and highly upregulated in the stationary phase. Despite high industrial and academic interest, the underlying regulation of SL biosynthesis remains unknown. In this paper, potential regulation of SL biosynthesis through the telomere positioning effect (TPE) was

Candida albicans has several virulence factors at its disposal, including yeast-hyphal transition associated with biofilm formation, phospholipases, proteases and hemolytic activity, all of which contribute to its pathogenesis. We used synthetic derivative LL-III/43 of antimicrobial peptide lasioglossin LL-III to enhance effect of azoles on attenuation of C. albicans virulence factors. LL-III/43 was

Processed lignocellulosic biomass is a source of mixed sugars that can be used for microbial fermentation into fuels or higher value products, like chemicals. Previously, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was engineered to utilize its cellodextrins through the heterologous expression of sugar transporters together with an intracellular expressed β-glucosidase. In this study, we screened a selection

ABSTRACTSaccharomyces cerevisiae is the most extensively studied yeast and, over the last century, provided insights on the physiology, genetics, cellular biology and molecular mechanisms of eukaryotes. More recently, the increase in the discovery of wild strains, species and hybrids of the genus Saccharomyces has shifted the attention towards studies on genome evolution, ecology and biogeography,

ABSTRACTInvestigations into the potential for pharmacological inhibition of the aging process and the onset of age-related disease are increasingly garnering attention. Here, we analyzed the antiaging properties of natural compounds derived from several marine bacteria in vitro and in vivo using the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The Pseudoalteromonas flavipulchra STILL-33 extract exhibited

The pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata is reliant on a suite of cell surface adhesins that play a variety of roles necessary for transmission, establishment and proliferation during infection. One particular adhesin, Epithelial Adhesin 1 [Epa1p], is responsible for binding to host tissue, a process which is essential for fungal propagation. Epa1p structure consists of three domains: an N-terminal intercellular

ABSTRACTGenomic structural variations (SVs) promote the evolution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and play an important role in phenotypic diversities. Yeast genomic structures can be remodeled by design and bottom-up synthesis. The synthesis of yeast genome creates novel copy number variations (CNVs) and SVs and develops new strategies to discover gene functions. Further, an inducible evolution system

Over the last decades, yeast has become a key model organism for the study of lipid biochemistry. Because the regulation of lipids has been closely linked to various physiopathologies, the study of these biomolecules could lead to new diagnostics and treatments. Before the field can reach this point, however, sufficient tools for integrating and analyzing the ever-growing availability of lipidomics

Mycocins have demonstrated inhibition of fungi, bacteria, parasites and viruses, in addition to being studied as epidemiological markers and in the development of vaccines. They are defined as extracellular proteins or glycoproteins with different activities, the main mechanism of action being the inhibition of β-glucan synthesis in the cell wall of sensitive strains. Given the resistance problems

Over the past decade, improvements in technology and methods have enabled rapid and relatively inexpensive generation of high-quality RNA-seq datasets. These datasets have been used to characterize gene expression for several yeast species and have provided systems-level insights for basic biology, biotechnology and medicine. Herein, we discuss new techniques that have emerged and existing techniques

Yeasts are prominent hosts for the production of recombinant proteins from industrial enzymes to therapeutic proteins. Particularly, the similarity of protein secretion pathways between these unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms and higher eukaryotic organisms has made them a preferential host to produce secretory recombinant proteins. However, there are several bottlenecks, in terms of quality and

Genomic studies of yeasts from the wild have increased considerably in the last few years. This revolution has been fueled by advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies and a better understanding of yeast ecology and phylogeography, especially for biotechnologically important species. The present review aims to first introduce new bioinformatic tools available for the generation and analysis

We present a teaching protocol suitable for demonstrating the use of EasyClone and CRISPR/Cas9 for metabolic engineering of industrially relevant yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Yarrowia lipolytica, using β-carotene production as a case study. The protocol details all steps required to generate DNA parts, transform and genotype yeast, and perform a phenotypic screen to determine β-carotene production

Yarrowia lipolytica is a nonconventional, heterothallic, oleaginous yeast with wide range of industrial applications. Increasing ploidy can improve advantageous traits for industrial applications including genetic stability, stress resistance, and productivity, but the construction of knock-out mutant strains from polyploid cells requires significant effort due to the increased copy numbers of target

Environmental stress often causes phenotypic changes among pathogenic cryptococci, such as altered antifungal susceptibility, changes in capsule and melanin formation, as well as altered levels of the membrane sterol and antifungal target, ergosterol. We therefore hypothesised that nitrogen limitation, a prevalent environmental stress in the natural habitat of these yeasts, might affect virulence and

Candida albicans is a multimorphic commensal organism and opportunistic fungal pathogen in humans. A morphological switch between unicellular budding yeast and multicellular filamentous hyphal growth forms plays a vital role in the virulence of C. albicans, and this transition is regulated in response to a range of environmental cues that are encountered in distinct host niches. Many unique transcription

Torulaspora delbrueckii is a yeast species receiving increasing attention from the biotechnology industry, with particular relevance in the wine, beer and baking sectors. However, little is known about its sugar transporters and sugar transport capacity, frequently a rate-limiting step of sugar metabolism and efficient fermentation. Actually, only one glucose transporter, Lgt1, has been characterized

One strategy for overcoming infectious diseases caused by drug-resistant fungi involves combining drugs rendered inactive by resistance with agents targeting the drug resistance mechanism. The antifungal activity of n-dodecanol disappears as incubation time passes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, anethole, a principal component of anise oil, prolongs the transient antifungal effect of dodecanol by downregulating

The compartmentalization of metabolic and regulatory pathways is a common pattern of living organisms. Eukaryotic cells are subdivided into several organelles enclosed by lipid membranes. Organelle proteomes define their functions. Yeasts, as simple eukaryotic single cell organisms, are valuable models for higher eukaryotes and frequently used for biotechnological applications. While the subcellular

N-glycosylation plays an important role in the endoplasmic reticulum quality control (ERQC). N-glycan biosynthesis pathways have been engineered in yeasts and fungi to enable the production of therapeutic glycoproteins with human-compatible N-glycosylation, and some glycoengineering approaches alter the synthesis of the lipid-linked oligosaccharide (LLO). Because the effects of LLO engineering on ERQC

Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels using microbial fermentation is an attractive option to substitute petroleum-based production economically and sustainably. The substantial efforts to design yeast strains for biomass hydrolysis have led to industrially applicable biological routes. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a robust microbial platform widely used in biofuel production, based on its

Candida albicans is a common pathogenic fungus with high mortality in immunocompromised patients. However, the mechanism by which C. albicans invades host epithelial cells and causes serious tissue damage remains to be further investigated. In this study, we established the C. albicans–293T renal epithelial cell interaction model to investigate the mechanism of epithelial infection by this pathogen

Opulente et al. (Opulente DA, Langdon QK, Buh KV et al. Pathogenic budding yeasts isolated outside of clinical settings. FEMS Yeast Res 2019;19:foz032) published early this year a study aiming to investigate the diversity of wild yeast species, by collecting 1000 environmental samples coming from different substrates across the United States of America. The main finding of this work is the recovery

PEX34, encoding a peroxisomal protein implicated in regulating peroxisome numbers, was identified as a high copy suppressor, capable of bypassing impaired acetate utilization of agc1∆ yeast. However, improved growth of agc1∆ yeast on acetate is not mediated through peroxisome proliferation. Instead, stress to the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria from PEX34 overexpression appears to contribute