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Yeast killer toxins: from ecological significance to application

Ilaria Mannazzu1, Paola Domizio2, Gavino Carboni1

  • 1a Department of Agriculture , University of Sassari , Sassari , Italy.

Critical Reviews in Biotechnology
|April 27, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Yeast killer toxins are natural antimicrobials effective against spoilage and pathogenic microbes. Further research into their production and application could unlock their potential in food, agriculture, and medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Killer toxins are glycosylated proteins produced by yeast species.
  • These toxins exhibit specific modes of action, targeting and killing susceptible microorganisms.
  • The killer phenotype is prevalent in yeast, with approximately 100 species identified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biodiversity and ecological significance of yeast killer toxins.
  • To discuss current and potential applications in the agro-food industry and medicine.
  • To highlight advancements in heterologous production and therapeutic agent development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on yeast killer toxins.
  • Analysis of killer toxin applications in various sectors.
  • Summary of recent progress in heterologous production and genetic manipulation.

Main Results:

  • Killer toxins target spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, showing broad antimicrobial potential.
  • Applications include natural food antimicrobials, biological control agents, and therapeutic agents.
  • Industrial exploitation is currently limited but shows promise.

Conclusions:

  • Yeast killer toxins possess significant potential as natural antimicrobials.
  • Further development in production and application is needed for industrial and therapeutic use.
  • Advancements in heterologous production offer new avenues for exploiting these compounds.
Keywords:
Killer toxinbiological controlinterference competitionnatural antimicrobialspoilage yeasttherapeutic agents

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