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Quorum-sensing in yeast and its potential in wine making
Martina Avbelj1, Jure Zupan2, Peter Raspor2
1Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. martina.avbelj@bf.uni-lj.si.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|August 11, 2016
Summary
This review explores microbial quorum-sensing in wine yeast, detailing molecules like tyrosol and their role in adapting collective behavior. It covers detection methods, mechanisms, and biotechnological applications for wine fermentation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Fermentation Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microbial communities in wine ecosystems influence fermentation and flavor.
- Quorum-sensing (QS) allows microorganisms to synchronize behavior based on population density.
- Understanding QS in wine yeast is crucial for controlling fermentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on microbial quorum-sensing, focusing on wine yeast.
- To elucidate the role of QS molecules (2-phenylethanol, tryptophol, tyrosol) in yeast adaptation.
- To review detection methods, mechanisms, and biotechnological applications of QS in winemaking.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of quorum-sensing mechanisms in yeast.
- Analysis of quorum-sensing molecules (2-phenylethanol, tryptophol, tyrosol) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans.
- Examination of external stimuli influencing quorum-sensing in wine environments.
Main Results:
- Identified 2-phenylethanol and tryptophol as quorum-sensing molecules in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Demonstrated that tyrosol, previously identified in Candida albicans, is also regulated by cell density in S. cerevisiae.
- Highlighted the importance of quorum-sensing in microbial interactions and adaptation within wine ecosystems.
Conclusions:
- Quorum-sensing plays a significant role in the adaptation and collective behavior of wine yeast.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions and biotechnological potential of quorum-sensing in winemaking.
- Quorum-sensing systems offer promising avenues for biotechnological applications in wine production.
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