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Transcriptomics-guided identification of engineering targets for improving salt tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Mao-Ting Li1,2, Li Wang1,2, Cai-Yun Xie3,4,5
1College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, No. 24, South Section 1, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China.
Microbial Cell Factories
|April 11, 2026
Summary
Identifying genes to improve yeast salt tolerance is crucial for industrial fermentation. This study used transcriptomics to find and test genes, with CTA1 overexpression significantly boosting performance in high-salinity conditions.
Area of Science:
- * Industrial biotechnology and microbial strain engineering.
- * Molecular biology and genomics.
- * Yeast fermentation and bioprocessing.
Background:
- * High salinity negatively impacts Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation in industrial settings.
- * Developing salt-tolerant yeast strains is vital for efficient bioprocessing of high-osmolarity substrates.
- * Understanding genetic factors contributing to salt tolerance is key for engineering robust yeast cell factories.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To identify genetic targets for enhancing salt tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- * To investigate the transcriptional responses of salt-tolerant versus sensitive yeast strains under NaCl stress.
- * To validate potential engineering targets through functional analysis and fermentation experiments.
Main Methods:
- * Comparative transcriptomic analysis of a salt-tolerant strain (E-158) and its parental strain (KF-7) under 1.25 M NaCl stress.
- * Selection of candidate genes (transcription factors CUP9, ZNF1; functional genes DAL1, IDP2, CTA1) based on differential gene expression.
- * Genetic manipulation (overexpression/deletion) of selected genes in the parental strain KF-7 for functional validation.
Main Results:
- * Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant differences in central metabolism, oxidative stress response, ion transport, cell wall, and sporulation pathways between the strains.
- * Engineered KF-7 strains with modified CUP9, ZNF1, DAL1, IDP2, or CTA1 showed improved fermentation performance under 1.25 M NaCl compared to the parental strain.
- * Overexpression of CTA1 led to the most substantial improvements, increasing glucose consumption by 35.04% and ethanol production by 45.66% after 96 hours.
Conclusions:
- * Comparative transcriptomics is an effective strategy for discovering engineering targets for yeast salt tolerance.
- * The identified genes (CUP9, ZNF1, DAL1, IDP2, CTA1) are promising targets for improving Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains.
- * This research provides insights for designing yeast cell factories for high-salinity fermentation processes, benefiting biofuel and bioproduct production.
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