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Yeast Strain Development and Process Intensification in High-Gravity Fermentation.

High- and very-high-gravity (HG/VHG) fermentation increases substrate loading and product titers, thereby improving fermenter utilisation and potentially reducing water use and downstream processing requirements. Initially developed for brewing and fuel ethanol production, these approaches are now applied more broadly in food, beverage, and bioproduct manufacturing. This MiniReview summarises operational definitions and industrial drivers of HG/VHG fermentation and examines the associated constraints in rheology, mass and heat transfer, osmotic and ethanol stress, nutrient availability, and oxidative damage. Yeast improvement strategies are reviewed, including adaptive laboratory evolution, mutagenesis, genome shuffling, multiplex genome editing, non-conventional yeasts, and multi-omics-guided selection. Process developments such as no-cook simultaneous liquefaction, saccharification and fermentation (SLSF), enzyme formulation, nutrient management, and in situ product recovery are considered together with applications in alcoholic beverages, organic acids, microbial lipids, and other value-added products. The review also discusses coproduct valorisation and the need to integrate strain development with process design. Current evidence supports HG/VHG fermentation as a useful process-intensification platform, although performance and sustainability depend strongly on feedstock, operating conditions, product requirements, and the basis used to report fermentation outcomes.

circular bioeconomy

Moderate expression and activity of flocculins underlie the characteristic flocculation phenotype of Saccharomyces pastorianus.

Flocculation is a key technological trait in lager brewing, governing fermentation performance, yeast recovery, and beer quality. In the allo-aneuploid hybrid yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus, the genetic basis of flocculation remains poorly resolved due to its complex dual sub-genome architecture. Here, we systematically re-annotated and functionally characterized the complete FLO gene repertoire of the Group II strain CBS 1483. Thirteen FLO genes were identified, including allelic variants and a previously uncharacterized adhesin, Flo12, containing a Hyphal_reg_CWP domain instead of the canonical PA14 lectin-binding domain. Structural modeling revealed strong conservation of Ca²+-binding residues in PA14 domains, alongside repeat-region diversification likely contributing to functional variability. Using optogenetic expression in a FLO-null background, we demonstrated that SpcI-FLO9-1 and SpcI-FLO9-2_1 are the strongest drivers of flocculation, exhibiting NewFlo-like sugar sensitivity. Transcriptomic analysis during 17°P wort fermentation showed dynamic induction of these genes coinciding with flocculation onset. Surprisingly, deletion of both loci in CBS 1483 did not abolish but only delayed sedimentation in wort, accompanied by improved maltose utilization and attenuation. These findings reveal functional redundancy and compensatory mechanisms within the FLO network of lager yeast, highlighting the genetic complexity underlying flocculation, and providing a molecular framework to inform yeast selection, strain development, and optimization of the lager fermentation processes.IMPORTANCEFlocculation, the process by which yeast cells aggregate and settle, is essential for producing clear, high-quality lager beer, and for efficient yeast recovery during brewing. However, the genetic basis of this trait in lager yeast has remained poorly understood because these strains possess unusually complex hybrid genomes. In this study, we systematically identified and characterized the complete set of flocculation genes in the industrial lager yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus CBS 1483. We demonstrated that lager yeast flocculation is not controlled by a single dominant gene, but instead emerges from the combined action of several moderately active adhesion proteins that are expressed at low levels during fermentation. Surprisingly, deleting the two strongest candidate genes only delayed, rather than eliminated, sedimentation, revealing a robust compensatory network that preserves brewing performance. These findings refine the current understanding of yeast flocculation and provide a molecular framework for developing brewing strains with improved fermentation efficiency, product consistency, and flavor quality.

Saccharomyces pastorianus

Breeding of yeast strains with intracellular amino acid accumulation for value-added alcoholic beverages.

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae converts amino acids into volatile compounds with fruity and floral aromas during fermentation. These amino acid-derived aroma compounds play a critical role in defining the taste and flavor of alcoholic beverages such as sake, beer, and wine. The productivity of amino acid-derived aroma compounds depends on the intracellular availability of their precursor amino acids. Therefore, breeding yeast strains that accumulate amino acids provides a practical approach to developing alcoholic beverages with more unique and attractive sensory characteristics. In this minireview, we describe the isolation of yeast strains that overproduce branched-chain amino acids and phenylalanine, obtained through conventional mutagenesis of industrial brewing yeasts. We also discuss the mechanisms responsible for the increased production of these amino acids in the mutant strains, including altered feedback regulation and transcriptional control of key enzymes involved in their biosynthesis. In addition, we briefly introduce a plasmid-free genome editing system that enables precise modification of metabolic pathways without the integration of foreign DNA, allowing the construction of strains that are not classified as genetically modified organisms. This method represents a promising tool that allows flexible and fine-tuned engineering of yeast metabolic pathways, including the development of strains with tailored aroma profiles.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

[The antibiotic properties of macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins].

Some trichotecenic mycotoxins (verrucarine A, roridines A and H, T-2-toxin) have been studied for their antibiotic effect on a wide spectrum of the yeast cultures (761 strains). The studied substances differ both in their activity and the action character. The yeast strains promising for development of microbiological methods of indication and detoxification of mycotoxins have been revealed.

Antifungal Agents

[Therapy of HIV infection (AIDS)].

The stages of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) life cycle are described as guide to therapeutic intervention. Practical therapeutic recommendations are given. They should be directed to viruses as the causal agent and to the features of opportunistic infections as well as of associated malignant tumors. Recently 3 progresses could be reached: (1) the application of azidothymidine in the latency phase, when the number of CD4 positive cells decreases below 500/mm3, whereby the progression of the disease can be delayed and side-effects can be reduced; (2) the prophylaxis of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia by inhalation of pentamidin; and (3) the introduction of fluconazole acting against yeast fungus infection, whereby development of resistant yeast strains is still missing and side-effects are smaller than with other antimycotics. In addition, the application of HIV-vaccine in already HIV-infected persons seems to be effective. By combining several drugs their toxicity is to be reduced. Interdisciplinary research and good cooperation among clinicians are conditions for an effective therapy. Last but not least psychosocial aspects and a good psychological guidance and counseling of the affected persons should be considered.

Antiviral Agents

Karyology and hyphal characters as taxonomic criteria in ascomycetous black yeasts and related fungi.

Mycelial development of seventy-three strains of black yeasts and related fungi were studied, and numbers of nuclei per hyphal cell were counted. Two main patterns were apparent in expanding hyphae, viz. (1) uninucleate expanding hyphal cells, septum formation strictly following mitosis, and (2) multinucleate, branched, aseptate hyphal tips, septa being formed in a later stage, leading to oligo- or uninucleate mature cells. Characteristic genera in the two groups are Exophiala and Aureobasidium, respectively. In Zasmidium and in some Ramichloridium species all mycelial cells are oligonucleate. The character is indicative for relationships at the family level in black yeasts.

Ascomycota

A novel screening system for yeast strains capable of secreting tissue plasminogen activator.

We have developed a simple screening procedure that allowed us to identify Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains able to secrete human tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) into the culture medium. The screen can be used to isolate more efficient secretor strains and to look for novel tPA analogs. Employing one of these strains to study the effect of glycosylation on secretion, we show that glycosylation in the catalytic domain of tPA plays an important role in folding and/or secretion of the molecule. Removing this glycosylation site resulted in a 3-5-fold reduction in the level of tPA secretion. We anticipate that this system will prove useful in studying yeast secretory pathway as well as structure-function relationships in the tPA molecule.

Biotechnology

Development of a strain of Hansenula polymorpha for the efficient expression of guar alpha-galactosidase.

A strain of the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha, A16, has been developed that expresses the guar alpha-galactosidase gene to 22.4 mg/g dry cell weight in chemostat cultures at a dilution rate of 0.1 h(-1). This corresponds to more than 13.1% of soluble cell protein, of which 56-62% is secreted into the medium. The alpha-galactosidase gene was flanked by the promoter and terminator sequences of the H.polymorpha mox gene, which can direct expression of the mox gene itself more than 30% of total cell protein under methanol growth. The expression cassette (pUR3510) based on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae plasmid, YEp13, was integrated into the genome. Such transformants were stable in chemostat cultures and exhibited 100% stability for both alpha-galactosidase+ and leu+ phenotypes. Chemostat cultures produced higher levels of alpha-galactosidase with higher specific productivities expressed as mg alpha-galactosidase g(-1) h(-1) compared to batch cultures.

Base Sequence

Unveiling the genetic basis of the low pH response in the acidophilic yeast Maudiozyma bulderi as a potential host for biorefinery.

Nonconventional yeasts represent a great genetic and phenotypic diversity with potential for industrial strain development in the bio-production of green chemicals. In recent years, mass genome sequencing of nonconventional yeasts has opened avenues to improved understanding of transcriptional networks and phenotypic plasticity and gene function, including the discovery of novel genes. Here, we investigated the expressional and morphological changes at low-pH in three strains of the acidophilic yeast Maudiozyma bulderi (previously Kazachstania bulderi and Saccharomyces bulderi): CBS 8638, CBS 8639, and NRRL Y-27205. The comparison of the transcriptome of cells growing in a bioreactor at pH = 5.5 vs pH = 2.5, primarily showed dysregulation of genes involved in cell wall integrity, with NRRL Y-27205 the least acidophilic strain, showing the largest transcriptional response when compared to the other strains. We identified four uncharacterized genes, unique to M. bulderi, and predicted function as transporters, upregulated at low pH. Microscopy studies showed that M. bulderi cell wall is not damaged in acidic environment, and the membrane lipid composition remains stable at low pH, unlike Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Overall, our data on transcriptional variability in M. bulderi highlights genes and cellular pathways involved in the acidophilic adaptation of this species and can aid further strain development.

Hydrogen-Ion Concentration

Transfer of genes for utilization of starch (sta2) and melibiose (mel) to industrial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by single-chromosome transfer, using a kar1 mutant as vector.

A method has been developed for the transfer of genes from other yeast strains and species to industrial yeast strains, using a haploid, kar1-1 mutant strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a vector. The sta2 gene, conferring the ability to metabolize starch was transferred from an auxotrophic haploid strain of S. cerevisiae (S. diastaticus) and the melibiose-metabolism (mel) gene(s), from S. kluyveri, to the kar1-1 mutant [K5-5A; (alpha ade2 his4 can1 gal) by normal mating and protoplast fusion. From this strain, the genes were transferred to baker's yeast and brewing yeast strains, which did not utilize starch, and to baker's yeast strains, which did not utilize melibiose, by protoplast fusion, spore-cell pairing, or rare-mating. Strains that utilized starch or melibiose were obtained by all three methods. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis preparations showed little change in the mobility of the chromosomes of the hybrids. The most probable explanation for the results obtained is that single chromosomes were transferred, first, from the donor strains to the kar1-1 haploid mutant strain, and then from the kar1-1 vector to the recipient industrial strain of S. cerevisiae. The transfer of the genes is probably accomplished through formation of disomic strains and then, in the case of the hybrids that metabolize starch, by integration of the sta2 gene into the genome of the industrial yeast strains.

Chromosomes, Fungal

Mutants of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis strain IVIC Pb9 affected in dimorphism.

Morphological mutants were isolated after nitrosoguanidine treatment of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis strain IVIC Pb9. Two of these mutants, Pb257 and Pb258, developed a typical mycelia at 23 degrees C, however, the yeast cells which developed at 37 degrees C were indistinguishable from those of the parental strain. A third mutant, strain Pb267, was thermosensitive, grew as yeast-like cells at 23 degrees C, but was unable to survive at 37 degrees C. Morphological observations as well as serological and segregation tests confirmed that the mutant strains originated from P. brasiliensis. Cell wall chemical analyses of the mutant strains grown at 23 degrees C indicated the presence of alkali-soluble, acid-insoluble polysaccharides absent in the parental wild-type strain Pb9 grown under the same conditions. The phenotypes shown by the mutant strains may be related to deficiencies in the proper synthesis of cell wall components of the mycelial phase of this fungus.

Amino Acids

CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing in Auxotrophic and Non-auxotrophic Fission Yeast Strains.

The CRISPR/Cas system is a very powerful genome-editing tool that has been developed over the past decade to optimize genome editing for many organisms. Here, we describe a rapid genome-editing method for fission yeast using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. It allows rapid generation of desired auxotrophic and non-auxotrophic strains without perturbing the local genome content by avoiding the insertion of selection markers at target loci.

CRISPR-Cas Systems

Isolation and characterization of RAT1: an essential gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae required for the efficient nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of mRNA.

We have combined techniques of genetics and histochemistry to identify genes required for the nucleocytoplasmic export of mRNA in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We adapted in situ hybridization using a digoxigenin-labeled oligo(dT)50 probe to localize poly(A)+ RNA in fixed yeast cells and used yeast strains carrying the rna1-1 mutation to develop an assay. The rna1-1 mutation is the only previously described mutation that causes defects in mRNA export. As visualized with this RNA localization assay, rna1-1 strains accumulated poly(A)+ RNA at the nuclear periphery at the nonpermissive temperature. This was in contrast to the RNA localization pattern of wild-type cells or rna1-1 cells grown at permissive temperature. Wild-type cells showed bright uniform cytoplasmic staining with little detectable RNA in the nuclei. We used this RNA localization assay to screen a bank of temperature-sensitive yeast strains for mutants with inducible defects in mRNA trafficking. Strains identified in this manner are designated RAT mutants for ribonucleic acid trafficking. The rat1-1 allele conferred temperature-sensitive accumulation of poly(A)+ RNA in one to several intranuclear spots that appear to lie at the nuclear periphery. RNA processing was unaffected in rat1-1 strains, except for an inducible defect in trimming the 5' end of the 5.8S rRNA. The wild-type RAT1 gene was cloned by complementation; it encodes an essential 116-kD protein with regions of homology to the protein encoded by SEP1 (also known as DST2, XRN1, KEM1, and RAR5). Sep1p is a nucleic acid binding protein, a 5'----3' exonuclease, and catalyzes DNA strand transfer reactions in vitro. We discuss the possible significance of the Rat1p/Sep1p homology for RNA trafficking. We also discuss the potential of this RNA localization assay to identify genes involved in nuclear structure and RNA metabolism.

Amino Acid Sequence

[Characteristics of obtaining protoplasts from 2 strains of Tolypocladium inflatum subsp. Blastosporum].

The optimal conditions for preparing protoplasts with high yields by using the cells of two (low and high potent) isogenic cyclosporine-producing Tolypocladium strains were developed. A specific medium containing 0.5 per cent yeast autolysate (by dry weight) and 3 per cent glucose was used. When grown on this medium the cells of the highly potent strain 847 acquired a yeast-like shape. High yields of protoplasts prepared from the low potent strain 43 mycelium were obtained via prior incubation with 0.01 M dithiothreitol followed by treatment with a complex of enzymes from Helix pomatia for 1.5 to 2 hours was used. For preparation of the protoplasts with employing the highly potent strain 847 cells the prior incubation with dithiothreitol was not required, but it was necessary to employ a mixture of the enzyme complex (Helix pomatia), drizilase (Irpex lacteus) and chitinase (Streptomyces griseus) for 18 hours. The electron microscopic data on the two isogenic strains and their protoplasts are presented. The protoplasts proved to be a suitable initial material for investigating bioenergetic processes at the subcellular level and further genetic improvement of the strains.

Cell Count

[Effect on the fertility of female Drosophila of sterol metabolism in an ecological-genetic yeast-Drosophila system].

The consequences of sterol deficiency in feeding of adult Drosophila females have been studied. Feeding of Drosophila on nys 1 mutant strain yeast leads to significant increase of non-developed eggs in Drosophila females. The effect of sterol deficiency on oogenesis in virgin and fertilized females has been estimated using different regimens of feeding. Possible mechanisms of arising of fertility defects are discussed.

Animals

[The resistance behavior of yeast isolates from defined patient groups to 5-fluorocytosine].

Susceptibility and development of resistance to 5-FC in Candida strains isolated from 4 defined groups of probands was investigated. 5-FC-susceptibility was determined in a microdilution assay in yeast nitrogen base after 24 h incubation at 37 degrees C. The range investigated ranked between 5-FC-concentrations from 0.015-16 microgram ml-1. Isolates with an MIC of greater than or equal to 16 micrograms ml-1 were regarded as 5-FC-resistant. In total 336 Candida isolates were investigated; 21 of them (= 6.3%) were found to be 5-FC-resistant. The Candida isolates were rather different with respect of their origin: 57 vaginal isolates from non-risk patients from Southern Germany comprised 5.3% 5-FC-resistant strains. 160 isolates from the urine of longtime-intensive care patients of total Germany were 5-FC-resistant with 6.3%. Of 74 isolates of different localization from intensive care patients of the University Clinics in Freiburg 10.8% were 5-FC-resistant. Among 45 isolates from the oral cavity from HIV-positive patients of the Frankfurt region no 5-FC-resistant strain was found. The epidemiology of 5-FC-resistance is mainly based on the percentage of non-albicans isolates of the proband groups (C. tropicalis, C. krusei and others), and is less based on the frequency of C. albicans serotype B isolates. In sequential observations with individual intensive care patients no increase of 5-FC-resistance in their Candida isolates could be observed with longer periods of hospitalization.

Candida

Genomic and phenotypic comparison of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces boulardii.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a widely used probiotic yeast with clinical efficacy against certain gastrointestinal disorders. Although genomically related to S. cerevisiae, the extent to which S. boulardii harbors distinct probiotic-relevant traits remains incompletely defined, particularly across commercially distributed strains. Here, we performed comparative genomic, physiological, and functional analyses of five S. boulardii strains and three S. cerevisiae strains, including baker's and laboratory variants. S. boulardii strains shared conserved genetic features and exhibited a conserved chromosomal inversion on chromosome XVI, lower copy numbers of CAZyme genes, and lineage-specific amino acid substitutions in central and tryptophan catabolism pathways-potentially underlying elevated production of immunomodulatory metabolites. S. boulardii strains also exhibited enhanced acid tolerance, elevated acetate and succinate production, and robust immunomodulatory activity, including suppression of IL-8 secretion and NF-κB, and consistent activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) compared to S. cerevisiae. In contrast, S. cerevisiae strains displayed greater bile salt tolerance and faster growth under aerobic and anaerobic conditions at both 30°C and 37°C but lacked consistent anti-inflammatory effects or AhR agonism. Metabolic and immunological phenotypes varied with oxygen availability and strain background. Despite high genomic similarity, S. cerevisiae and S. boulardii exhibit distinct functional capacities relevant to probiotic efficacy. These findings help define speciesand strain-specific features that inform the development and regulatory evaluation of next-generation yeast probiotics.

AhR activation