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MEL gene polymorphism in the genus Saccharomyces

H Turakainen¹, S Aho, M Korhola

¹Department of Genetics, University of Helsinki, Finland.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology

|August 1, 1993

Summary

The MEL gene enables melibiose utilization in Saccharomyces yeasts. Gene copy number and expression vary across Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. pastorianus, and S. bayanus strains, impacting alpha-galactosidase production.

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Area of Science:

Yeast genetics
Enzymology
Molecular biology

Background:

Melibiose utilization in Saccharomyces species is mediated by MEL genes encoding alpha-galactosidase.
Understanding the genetic basis of melibiose fermentation is crucial for industrial yeast applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize the physical structure and chromosomal location of MEL genes in various Saccharomyces strains.
To investigate the expression patterns of MEL genes in response to galactose induction.

Main Methods:

Southern hybridization using cloned MEL genes as probes.
Electrophoretic karyotyping to determine MEL gene loci.
Northern blot analysis to assess MEL gene transcript sizes and expression levels.

Main Results:

S. pastorianus and S. bayanus strains typically possess a single MEL locus with a conserved gene structure.
S. cerevisiae strains exhibit a variable number of MEL loci (one to seven), with distinct hybridization patterns to MEL1.
MEL gene expression is generally galactose-inducible, with variations in basal and induced levels observed across different species and strains.

Conclusions:

The copy number and organization of MEL genes differ significantly among Saccharomyces species.
Galactose inducibility of MEL gene expression is a conserved feature, but regulation varies, particularly in S. cerevisiae.
These findings provide insights into the genetic diversity and metabolic capabilities of industrial yeast strains.

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