Abstract
The gene YALI0F01562g was identified as an important factor involved in erythritol catabolism of the unconventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. Its putative role was identified for the first time by comparative analysis of four Y. lipolytica strains: A-101.1.31, Wratislavia K1, MK1 and AMM. The presence of a mutation that seriously damaged the gene corresponded to inability of the strain Wratislavia K1 to utilize erythritol. RT-PCR analysis of the strain MK1 demonstrated a significant increase in YALI0F01562g expression during growth on erythritol. Further studies involving deletion and overexpression of the selected gene showed that it is indeed essential for efficient erythritol assimilation. The deletion strain Y. lipolytica AMM∆euf1 was almost unable to grow on erythritol as the sole carbon source. When the strain was applied in the process of erythritol production from glycerol, the amount of erythritol remained constant after reaching the maximal concentration. Analysis of the YALI0F01562g gene sequence revealed the presence of domains characteristic for transcription factors. Therefore we suggest naming the studied gene Erythritol Utilization Factor – EUF1.
Highlights
Yarrowia lipolytica is an unconventional yeast with high potential for use in industry
Erythritol catabolism has been subjected to the most in-depth research in the case of the bacteria Brucella spp., where erythritol utilization is considered responsible for triggering the virulence that leads to fetus abortion of farm animals[5]
The genes organized in the EryABCD operon encode erythritol kinase (EryA), which converts erythritol to L-erythritol-4-phosphate[6], two putative dehydrogenases (EryB and EryC) and a repressor (EryD)[7]
Summary
Yarrowia lipolytica is an unconventional yeast with high potential for use in industry. Erythritol gained interest because of its application as a sweetener, which provides no calories to the human body, but may prevent development of caries It occurs naturally in small amounts in foods such as honey, dairy products and fruits. Y. lipolytica can synthesize erythritol from glucose, though the preferred substrate is glycerol[2] It can utilize crude glycerol without any prior purification[3]. The conditions necessary for efficient production are low pH and high osmotic pressure of the environment, induced by high concentrations of substrates or salt[4]. An impediment to this process is the ability of Y. lipolytica to utilize erythritol as a carbon source. The aim of this study was to identify genes responsible for erythritol utilization in Y. lipolytica
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