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Genetic Engineering of an Unconventional Yeast for Renewable Biofuel and Biochemical Production
Published on: September 20, 2016
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Systematic Engineering to Enhance β-Myrcene Production in Yeast
Yujie Shu1,2, Tianyu Dong1,2, Xiao Zhou1,2
1School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|August 23, 2024
Summary
Microbial production of beta-myrcene was significantly enhanced in yeast. Strategies including enzyme engineering and precursor supply boosted yields to a record 142.64 mg/L, paving the way for green manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Engineering
- Synthetic Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Beta-myrcene is a valuable monoterpene used in fragrances, agriculture, and food industries.
- Microbial production offers a sustainable alternative to traditional methods for beta-myrcene synthesis.
- Key challenges include low beta-myrcene synthase activity and limited precursor availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient microbial production platform for beta-myrcene using Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- To overcome bottlenecks in beta-myrcene biosynthesis through integrated metabolic engineering strategies.
- To achieve high-titer beta-myrcene production in yeast for industrial applications.
Main Methods:
- Integrated source screening, subcellular localization, enzyme fusion, and precursor-enhancing strategies.
- Optimization of beta-myrcene synthase (MS) activity and precursor supply pathways.
- Fed-batch fermentation with carbon restriction and addition of antioxidants (glutathione and BHT).
Main Results:
- Achieved a 218-fold increase in beta-myrcene titer, reaching 63.59 mg/L in shake flasks.
- Supplementation with antioxidants (GSH and BHT) increased the titer to 66.82 mg/L.
- Attained a record high titer of 142.64 mg/L in 5.0 L fed-batch fermentation.
Conclusions:
- Successfully established a robust yeast platform for high-titer beta-myrcene production.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of integrated strategies in overcoming biosynthesis limitations.
- Provides a valuable reference for the microbial synthesis of other valuable monoterpenes.
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