Advances in yeast systematics and phylogeny and their use as predictors of biotechnologically important metabolic pathways

Abstract

Detection, identification and classification of yeasts have undergone a major transformation in the last decade and a half following application of gene sequence analyses and genome comparisons. Development of a database (barcode) of easily determined DNA sequences from domains 1 and 2 (D1/D2) of the nuclear large subunit rRNA gene and from ITS now permits many laboratories to identify species quickly and accurately, thus replacing the laborious and often inaccurate phenotypic tests previously used. Phylogenetic analysis of gene sequences is leading to a major revision of yeast systematics that will result in redefinition of nearly all genera. This new understanding of species relationships has prompted a change of rules for naming and classifying yeasts and other fungi, and these new rules are presented in the recently implemented International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Melbourne Code). The use of molecular methods for species identification and the impact of Code changes on classification will be discussed, as will use of phylogeny for prediction of biotechnological applications.

Summer temperature can predict the distribution of wild yeast populations

“…; Kurtzman et al. ). Figure shows all the S. cerevisiae strains ( n = 46) isolated from Europe with points colored according to genotype.…”

“…; Kurtzman et al. ). Without further sampling in tropical and subtropical regions it is not possible to differentiate whether the higher diversity of S. cerevisiae in Asia reflects a greater habitat area or an Asian origin for S. cerevisiae .…”

“…; Kurtzman et al. ). This resource is not available for download however, and does not provide genotype information, which we need in order to distinguish wild from human‐associated S. cerevisiae strains.…”

Whole-genome de novo sequencing, combined with RNA-Seq analysis, reveals unique genome and physiological features of the amylolytic yeast Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and its interspecies hybrid

“…Interestingly, the majority of the species of the genus Saccharomycopsis are predacious yeasts that are able to penetrate and kill various yeast prey [46]. Some members of the genus Saccharomycopsis have drawn increasing attention due to exhibiting unique physiological characteristics that are useful for various biotechnological applications, such as Saccharomycopsis fermentation filtrate as a component of cosmetics [64] and high hydrolytic activity for the bioremediation of agricultural waste [20]. The S. fibuligera genome will serve as a useful basis for comparative genomics studies to investigate functional peculiarities specific to this yeast and its relative lineage within the Saccharomycopsis clade.…”

“…Using cassava starch, S. fibuligera has been cultivated to produce amylolytic enzymes at industrial production levels [19]. Based on this high hydrolytic activity, S. fibuligera has recently been recognized as a potential industrial host for the bioremediation of agricultural waste [20]. Saccharomycopsis fibuligera has also served as a good donor of genes that are involved in saccharification to engineer S. cerevisiae for the development of a new yeast strain that can directly produce ethanol from biomass without the need for a separate saccharification process [21].…”