Draft genome sequence of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SpyCas9 expressing strain IMX2600, a laboratory and platform strain from the CEN.PK lineage for cell-factory research

The biobased-economy aims to create a circular biotechnology ecosystem to transition from a fossil fuel-based to a sustainable industry based on biomass. For this, new microbial cell-factories are essential. We present the draft genome of the CEN.PK-derived Saccharomyces cerevisiae SpyCas9 expressing strain (IMX2600), that serve as chassis of...

Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of aromatic compounds

Over the past century, the world population has increased fourfold. This increase in human population is accompanied by an increased demand in food, water, energy and consumer goods. The resulting intensification of agriculture, deforestation, emission of green-house gasses and high utilization of natural compounds such as coal, minerals, metals...

Modular, synthetic chromosomes as new tools for large scale engineering of metabolism

The construction of powerful cell factories requires intensive genetic engineering for the addition of new functionalities and the remodeling of native pathways and processes. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of extensive genome reprogramming using modular, specialized de novo-assembled neochromosomes in yeast. The in vivo...

Elimination of aromatic fusel alcohols as by-products of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains engineered for phenylpropanoid production by 2-oxo-acid decarboxylase replacement

Engineered strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are intensively studied as production platforms for aromatic compounds such as hydroxycinnamic acids, stilbenoids and flavonoids. Heterologous pathways for production of these compounds use L-phenylalanine and/or L-tyrosine, generated by the yeast shikimate pathway, as aromatic...

Connecting central carbon and aromatic amino acid metabolisms to improve de novo 2-phenylethanol production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The organic compound 2-phenylethanol (2PE) has a pleasant floral scent and is intensively used in the cosmetic and food industries. Microbial production of 2PE by phenylalanine bioconversion or de novo biosynthesis from sugar offer sustainable, reliable and natural production processes compared to chemical synthesis. Despite the ability of...

A CRISPR/Cas9-based exploration into the elusive mechanism for lactate export in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing allows rapid, simultaneous modification of multiple genetic loci in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, this technique was used in a functional analysis study aimed at identifying the hitherto unknown mechanism of lactate export in this yeast. First, an S. cerevisiae strain was constructed with deletions in 25...