How Different Yeast Strains React to Succinic Acid

Jenn Hoskins
9th May, 2024

How Different Yeast Strains React to Succinic Acid

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Sichuan University studied how brewer's yeast (S. cerevisiae) responds to succinic acid (SA) for better bio-based production
  • They found that yeast's tolerance to SA is influenced by its ability to manage protein folding and maintain cell wall integrity
  • Overexpressing certain heat shock proteins in yeast can improve its growth and SA tolerance, suggesting a way to enhance SA production
Succinic acid (SA) has emerged as a significant bio-based chemical with extensive applications in various industries, from pharmaceuticals to bioplastics. Its appeal lies in the potential to replace petroleum-derived chemicals, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative. Researchers have been exploring various microorganisms for the production of SA, with a focus on optimizing the fermentation process and genetic engineering to enhance yields[2][3]. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as brewer's yeast, is a microorganism that has garnered attention in the quest for efficient SA production. Its robustness, genetic tractability, and established use in large-scale industrial fermentations make it an attractive candidate. However, S. cerevisiae trails behind bacterial producers in terms of SA production efficiency, with lower titers and productivities[1]. A recent study from Sichuan University has delved into understanding how S. cerevisiae responds to SA, which is crucial for developing more efficient SA-producing strains of this yeast. The research aims to bridge the gap between the current capabilities of S. cerevisiae and the more efficient bacterial producers, potentially leading to a more cost-effective and sustainable bio-based production of SA. In the context of bio-based SA production, the ability of microorganisms to convert biomass into SA is paramount. Earlier studies have highlighted the potential of various bacteria, such as Actinobacillus succinogenes, to produce high concentrations of SA from renewable resources like crop stalk wastes, with impressive yields[4]. This background sets the stage for the research at Sichuan University, which seeks to push the boundaries of what S. cerevisiae can achieve. The study's approach involves investigating the cellular processes of S. cerevisiae when exposed to SA. This includes examining how the yeast's metabolism is affected and identifying any genetic bottlenecks that may be hampering SA production. By pinpointing these areas, scientists can employ metabolic engineering strategies to modify S. cerevisiae, potentially leading to strains that can rival the efficiency of bacterial producers[2]. Metabolic engineering has been a cornerstone in the development of microbial strains for bio-based chemical production. It involves tweaking the organism's metabolic pathways to increase the production of a desired compound. Previous research has successfully applied these strategies to various microorganisms, including E. coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum, resulting in enhanced SA production[2]. The insights gained from these studies provide a valuable knowledge base for the current research on S. cerevisiae. The methods used in the study are rooted in molecular biology and biotechnology, focusing on analyzing gene expression, enzyme activity, and the impact of genetic modifications on the yeast's ability to produce SA. The goal is to create S. cerevisiae strains that not only tolerate the presence of SA but also convert biomass to SA more efficiently. One of the key challenges in making bio-based SA competitive with petrochemical alternatives is achieving high concentrations of SA at high rates, with minimal by-products[3]. This not only maximizes the use of substrates but also simplifies the purification process, reducing costs. The research at Sichuan University is a step towards addressing this challenge by enhancing the SA-producing capabilities of S. cerevisiae. The implications of this study are significant for the bio-based chemical industry. Developing a yeast strain that can produce SA at levels comparable to bacterial producers could lead to a more diversified and resilient bio-based SA production landscape. It would also contribute to the ongoing efforts to make bio-based chemicals a viable alternative to their petrochemical counterparts, supporting a more sustainable and eco-friendly economy. In conclusion, the study from Sichuan University represents an important step in the evolution of SA production from biomass. By focusing on the cellular response of S. cerevisiae to SA and applying metabolic engineering strategies, researchers are paving the way for more efficient and competitive bio-based SA production. This work builds upon previous findings and sets the stage for future advancements in the field, moving us closer to a sustainable future where bio-based chemicals are the norm.

BiotechGeneticsBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Response mechanisms of different Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to succinic acid

Published 8th May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-024-03314-4

Related Studies

2) Production of succinic acid by metabolically engineered microorganisms.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2016.02.034

3) Prospects for a bio-based succinate industry.

Journal: Applied microbiology and biotechnology, Issue: Vol 76, Issue 4, Sep 2007

4) Efficient conversion of crop stalk wastes into succinic acid production by Actinobacillus succinogenes.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2009.12.064


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙