Non-Conventional Yeasts in Genetics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology


Book Description

Most information on yeasts derives from experiments with the conventional yeasts Saccaromyces cerevisiae and Schizossaccharomyces pombe, the complete nuclear and mitochondrial genome of which has also been sequenced. For all other non-conventional yeasts, investigations are in progress and the rapid development of molecular techniques has allowed an insight also into a variety of non-conventional yeasts. In this bench manual, over 70 practical protocols using 15 different non-conventional yeast species and in addition several protocols of general use are described in detail. All of these experiments on the genetics, biochemistry and biotechnology of yeasts have been contributed by renowned laboratories and have been reproduced many times. The reliable protocols are thus ideally suited also for undergraduate and graduate practical courses.







Non-conventional Yeasts: from Basic Research to Application


Book Description

This volume scopes several aspects of non-conventional yeast research prepared by the leading specialists in the field. An introduction on taxonomy and systematics enhances the reader’s knowledge on yeasts beyond established ones such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biotechnological approaches that involve fungal utilization of unusual substrates, production of biofuels and useful chemicals as citric acid, glutathione or erythritol are discussed. Further, strategies for metabolic engineering based on knowledge on regulation of gene expression as well as sensing and signaling pathways are presented. The book targets researchers and advanced students working in Microbiology, Microbial Biotechnology and Biochemistry.




Old Yeasts


Book Description

Yeast-based biotechnology traditionally regards the empirical production of fermented drinks and leavened bread, processes which surprisingly keep posing challenges and fuelling research. But yeasts nowadays also provide amenable cell factories, producing bulk and fine chemicals and molecules, and are increasingly used as tools in processes as diverse as food preservation or bioremediation. Importantly, yeasts are excellent models of cell and molecular biology for higher eukaryotes, including humans, contributing with key discoveries to understand processes and diseases. All taken, yeast-related business is worth billions, critically contributing to the economical welfare of many differently developed countries. This book provides some insights into aspects of yeast science and biotechnology less frequently addressed in the literature but nonetheless decisive to improve knowledge and, accordingly, boost up yeast-based innovation.




Nonconventional Yeasts in Biotechnology


Book Description

This is the first book to extensively and exclusively cover nonconventional yeasts - all yeasts other than S. cerevisiae and S. pombe. In addition to useful background information, the author includes detailed protocols allowing the investigation of basic and applied aspects for a wide range of these organisms. Due to the increasing importance of nonconventional yeasts in biotechnological applications, this book should become the standard reference for both pure and applied scientists working in the fields of microbiology and biochemistry.







Yeasts in Biotechnology and Human Health


Book Description

This book discusses genome-based strategies to provide a holistic understanding of yeasts in Human Health and as model organisms in basic research or industrial production. Using numerous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains and various non-conventional yeast species isolated from diverse origins, it describes essential biological processes, the biotechnological exploitation of yeast and pathogenesis control. It also demonstrates how functional and comparative genomics and the development of genome engineering tools are used in modern yeast research. The use of yeasts as experimental eukaryotic models increasingly gained prominence when several Nobel Prizes in Physiology/Medicine and Chemistry were awarded for innovative research, using yeast strains to elucidate molecular mechanisms in a wide range of human physiological processes and diseases, such as autophagy, cell cycle regulation and telomerase activity. This book offers useful insights for scientists in yeast research, clinical scientists working with yeast infectious models and for industrial researchers using applied microbiology.




Functional Genetics of Industrial Yeasts


Book Description

In recent years, new yeast species have proven their value and novel biotechnological applications have emerged. This book compiles the multi-faceted genetic repertoire of several yeasts relevant to modern biotechnology, and describes their utilization in research and application in the light of their genetic make-up and physiological characteristics. Moreover, the book presents a thorough overview of a wide array of methodologies from classical genetics to modern genomics technologies that have been and are being used in functional analysis of yeasts.




Yarrowia lipolytica


Book Description

Due to various special physiological features and a genome that greatly differs in structure, gene content and organization from other yeasts, Y. lipolytica is widely used as a model organism. With its characteristics, such as the ability to accumulate oil and the high capacity for secretion of proteases and lipases, the yeast is also of great interest for biotechnological applications. The main topics covered in this Microbiology Monograph are: comparative genomics; mitochondrial genomics and proteomics, including the analysis of the respiratory chain; transposable elements and their activities; non-coding RNA genes, which display a number of unusual and remarkable features compared to other hemiascomycetes; utilization of hydrophobic substrates, of n-alkane and its oxidized derivatives as sources of carbon and energy; ambient pH signalling; comparison of protein families in non-conventional yeasts and S. cerevisiae; and the sulphur metabolism of cheese-ripening yeast. .




Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering of Yeasts


Book Description

Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering of Yeasts presents a comprehensive examination of how yeasts are used in genetic engineering. The book discusses baker's yeast, in addition to a number of unconventional yeasts being used in an increasing number of studies. 175 figures help illustrate the information presented. Topics discussed include yeast transformation, yeast plasmids, protein localization and processing in yeast, protein secretion, various aspects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and heterologous expression and secretion.