1
|
Wu X, Zhang T, Zhang K, Zhang R, Shi M, Gu C, Shi T, Lu L, Xue F, Xu Q, Zhang C. The forced activation of asexual conidiation in Aspergillus niger simplifies bioproduction. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:277-284. [PMID: 38496318 PMCID: PMC10942867 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus niger is an efficient cell factory for organic acids production, particularly l-malic acid, through genetic manipulation. However, the traditional method of collecting A. niger spores for inoculation is labor-intensive and resource-consuming. In our study, we used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to replace the promoter of brlA, a key gene in Aspergillus conidiation, with a xylose-inducible promoter xylP in l-malic acid-producing A. niger strain RG0095, generating strain brlAxylP. When induced with xylose in submerged liquid culture, brlAxylP exhibited significant upregulation of conidiation-related genes. This induction allowed us to easily collect an abundance of brlAxylP spores (>7.1 × 106/mL) in liquid xylose medium. Significantly, the submerged conidiation approach preserves the substantial potential of A. niger as a foundational cellular platform for the biosynthesis of organic acids, including but not limited to l-malic acid. In summary, our study offers a simplified submerged conidiation strategy to streamline the preparation stage and reduce labor and material costs for industrial organic acid production using Aspergillus species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Wu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Man Shi
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chenlei Gu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Tianqiong Shi
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ling Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Feng Xue
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qing Xu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang C, Shi M, Xu Y, Yang D, Lu L, Xue F, Xu Q. Conditional expression of FumA in Aspergillus niger enhances synthesis of L-malic acid. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0000824. [PMID: 38506527 PMCID: PMC11022578 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00008-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, the L-malic acid titer achieved through Aspergillus niger fermentation reaches 201 g/L, meeting industrial demands satisfactorily. However, the co-presence of structurally similar fumaric acid and succinic acid in fermentation products suggests a theoretical potential for further improvement in L-malic acid production. In the tricarboxylic acid cycle, fumarate reductase mediates the conversion of succinic acid to fumaric acid. Subsequently, fumarase catalyzes the conversion of fumaric acid to L-malic acid. Notably, both enzymatic reactions are reversible. Our investigation revealed that A. niger contains only one mitochondria-located fumarase FumA. Employing CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we performed a replacement of the fumA promoter with a doxycycline-induced promoter Tet. Under non-inducing condition, the conditional strain exhibited increased levels of fumaric acid and succinic acid. It strongly suggests that FumA mainly promotes the flow of fumaric acid to L-malic acid. Furthermore, a promoter PmfsA that is exclusively activated in a fermentation medium by calcium carbonate was identified through RNA-sequencing screening. Utilizing PmfsA to regulate fumA expression led to a 9.0% increase in L-malic acid titer, an 8.75% increase in yield (glucose to L-malic acid), and an 8.86% enhancement in productivity. This research serves as a significant step toward expediting the industrialization of L-malic acid synthesis via biological fermentation. Additionally, it offers valuable insights for the biosynthesis of other organic acids.IMPORTANCEThis study focuses on enhancing L-malic acid synthesis by modifying the tricarboxylic acid cycle within the mitochondria of Aspergillus niger. We emphasize the significant role of fumarase in converting fumaric acid into L-malic acid, enhancing our understanding of metabolic pathways in A. niger. The precise regulation of fumA is highlighted as a key factor in enhancing L-malic acid production. Furthermore, this research introduces a stringent conditional promoter (PmfsA), exclusively activated by CaCO3. The utilization of PmfsA for fumA expression resulted in heightened L-malic acid titers. The progress in metabolic engineering and bioprocess optimization holds promise for expediting industrial L-malic acid synthesis via biological fermentation. Moreover, it carries implications for the biosynthesis of various other organic acids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Man Shi
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingyan Xu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongdong Yang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Xue
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Xu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zeng DW, Yang YQ, Wang Q, Zhang FL, Zhang MD, Liao S, Liu ZQ, Fan YC, Liu CG, Zhang L, Zhao XQ. Transcriptome analysis of Kluyveromyces marxianus under succinic acid stress and development of robust strains. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:293. [PMID: 38592508 PMCID: PMC11003901 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13097-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Kluyveromyces marxianus has become an attractive non-conventional yeast cell factory due to its advantageous properties such as high thermal tolerance and rapid growth. Succinic acid (SA) is an important platform molecule that has been applied in various industries such as food, material, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. SA bioproduction may be compromised by its toxicity. Besides, metabolite-responsive promoters are known to be important for dynamic control of gene transcription. Therefore, studies on global gene transcription under various SA concentrations are of great importance. Here, comparative transcriptome changes of K. marxianus exposed to various concentrations of SA were analyzed. Enrichment and analysis of gene clusters revealed repression of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glyoxylate cycle, also activation of the glycolysis pathway and genes related to ergosterol synthesis. Based on the analyses, potential SA-responsive promoters were investigated, among which the promoter strength of IMTCP2 and KLMA_50231 increased 43.4% and 154.7% in response to 15 g/L SA. In addition, overexpression of the transcription factors Gcr1, Upc2, and Ndt80 significantly increased growth under SA stress. Our results benefit understanding SA toxicity mechanisms and the development of robust yeast for organic acid production. KEY POINTS: • Global gene transcription of K. marxianus is changed by succinic acid (SA) • Promoter activities of IMTCP2 and KLMA_50123 are regulated by SA • Overexpression of Gcr1, Upc2, and Ndt80 enhanced SA tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Du-Wen Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Feng-Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Mao-Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Sha Liao
- SINOPEC Dalian Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals Co., Ltd, Dalian, 116045, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Ya-Chao Fan
- SINOPEC Dalian Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals Co., Ltd, Dalian, 116045, China
| | - Chen-Guang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- SINOPEC Dalian Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals Co., Ltd, Dalian, 116045, China.
| | - Xin-Qing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang D, Xu Y, Mo L, Shi M, Wu N, Lu L, Xue F, Xu Q, Zhang C. Enhancing l-Malic Acid Production in Aspergillus niger via Natural Activation of sthA Gene Expression. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:4869-4879. [PMID: 38407053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The efficient production of l-malic acid using Aspergillus niger requires overcoming challenges in synthesis efficiency and excessive byproduct buildup. This study addresses these hurdles, improving the activity of NADH-dependent malate dehydrogenase (Mdh) in the early stages of the fermentation process. By employing a constitutive promoter to express the Escherichia coli sthA responsible for the transfer of reducing equivalents between NAD(H) and NADP(H) in A. niger, the l-malic acid production was significantly elevated. However, this resulted in conidiation defects of A. niger, limiting industrial viability. To mitigate this, we discovered and utilized the PmfsA promoter, enabling the specific expression of sthA during the fermentation stage. This conditional expression strain showed similar phenotypes to its parent strain while exhibiting exceptional performance in a 5 L fermenter. Notably, it achieved a 65.5% increase in productivity, reduced fermentation cycle by 1.5 days, and lowered succinic acid by 76.2%. This work marks a promising advancement in industrial l-malic acid synthesis via biological fermentation, showcasing the potential of synthetic biology in A. niger for broader applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Yang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yingyan Xu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Mo
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Man Shi
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Na Wu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ling Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Feng Xue
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qing Xu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu B, Zhang W, Zhao E, Hong J, Chen X, Wei Z, Li X. Unveiling malic acid biorefinery: Comprehensive insights into feedstocks, microbial strains, and metabolic pathways. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 394:130265. [PMID: 38160850 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The over-reliance on fossil fuels and resultant environmental issues necessitate sustainable alternatives. Microbial fermentation of biomass for malic acid production offers a viable, eco-friendly solution, enhancing resource efficiency and minimizing ecological damage. This review covers three core aspects of malic acid biorefining: feedstocks, microbial strains, and metabolic pathways. It emphasizes the significance of utilizing biomass sugars, including the co-fermentation of different sugar types to improve feedstock efficiency. The review discusses microbial strains for malic acid fermentation, addressing challenges related to by-products from biomass breakdown and strategies for overcoming them. It delves into the crucial pathways and enzymes for malic acid production, outlining methods to optimize its metabolism, focusing on enzyme regulation, energy balance, and yield enhancement. These insights contribute to advancing the field of consolidated bioprocessing in malic acid biorefining.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Xu
- Anhui Fermented Food Engineering Research Center, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei City 230009, Anhui Province, PR China
| | - Wangwei Zhang
- Anhui Fermented Food Engineering Research Center, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei City 230009, Anhui Province, PR China
| | - Eryong Zhao
- Anhui Fermented Food Engineering Research Center, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei City 230009, Anhui Province, PR China
| | - Jiong Hong
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei City 230026, Anhui Province, PR China
| | - Xiangsong Chen
- Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei City 230031, Anhui Province, PR China
| | - Zhaojun Wei
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan City 750030, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, PR China.
| | - Xingjiang Li
- Anhui Fermented Food Engineering Research Center, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei City 230009, Anhui Province, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qin Z, Feng J, Li Y, Zheng Y, Moore C, Yang ST. Engineering the reductive tricarboxylic acid pathway in Aureobasidium pullulans for enhanced biosynthesis of poly-L-malic acid. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 393:130122. [PMID: 38040309 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Aureobasidium pullulans produced poly-L-malic acid (PMA) as the main metabolite in fermentation but with relatively low productivity and yield limiting its industrial application. In this study, A. pullulans ZX-10 was engineered to overexpress cytosolic malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and pyruvate carboxylase (PYC) and PMA synthetase (PMS) using a high-copy yeast episomal plasmid with the gpdA promoter from Aspergillus nidulans. Overexpressing endogenous PMS and heterologous MDH and PYC from Aspergillus oryzae respectively increased PMA production by 19 % - 37 % (0.64 - 0.74 g/g vs. 0.54 g/g for wild type) in shake-flask fermentations, demonstrating the importance of the reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) pathway in PMA biosynthesis. A. pullulans co-expressing MDH and PYC produced 96.7 g/L PMA at 0.90 g/L∙h and 0.68 g/g glucose in fed-batch fermentation, which were among the highest yield and productivity reported. The engineered A. pullulans with enhanced rTCA pathway is advantageous and promising for PMA production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Qin
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 151 West Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, 2015 Fyffe Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jun Feng
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 151 West Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - You Li
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 151 West Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yin Zheng
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 151 West Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Curtis Moore
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 151 West Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Shang-Tian Yang
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 151 West Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang L, Jia C, Xie B, Chen M, Cheng X, Chen X, Dong W, Zhou J, Jiang M. Lighting up Pyruvate Metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by a Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensor. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:1651-1659. [PMID: 38206807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring intracellular pyruvate is useful for the exploration of fundamental metabolism and for guiding the construction of yeast cell factories for chemical production. Here, we employed a genetically encoded fluorescent Pyronic biosensor to light up the pyruvate metabolic state in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741. A strong correlation was observed between the pyruvate fluctuation in mitochondria and cytoplasm when exposed to different metabolites. Further metabolic analysis of pyruvate uptake and glycolytic dynamics showed that glucose and fructose dose-dependently activated cytoplasmic pyruvate levels more effectively than direct exposure to pyruvate. Meanwhile, the Pyronic biosensor could visually distinguish phenotypes of the wild-type S. cerevisiae BY4741 and the pyruvate-hyperproducing S. cerevisiae TAM at a single-cell resolution, having the potential for high-throughput screening. Overall, Pyronic biosensors targeting different suborganelles contribute to mapping and studying the central carbon metabolism in-depth and guide the design and construction of yeast cell factories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, P. R. China
| | - Chaochao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, P. R. China
| | - Bin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, P. R. China
| | - Minjiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, P. R. China
| | - Xiawei Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, P. R. China
| | - Weiliang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, P. R. China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, P. R. China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, P. R. China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, P. R. China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li M, Chu Y, Dong X, Ji H. General mechanisms of weak acid-tolerance and current strategies for the development of tolerant yeasts. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 40:49. [PMID: 38133718 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03875-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Yeast cells are often subjected to various types of weak acid stress in the process of industrial production, food processing, and preservation, resulting in growth inhibition and reduced fermentation performance. Under acidic conditions, weak acids enter the near-neutral yeast cytoplasm and dissociate into protons and anions, leading to cytoplasmic acidification and cell damage. Although some yeast strains have developed the ability to survive weak acids, the complexity and diversity of stresses during industrial production still require the application of appropriate strategies for phenotypes improvement. In this review, we summarized current knowledge concerning weak acid stress response and resistance, which may suggest important targets for further construction of more robust strains. We also highlight current feasible strategies for improving the weak acid resistance of yeasts, such as adaptive laboratory evolution, transcription factors engineering, and cell membrane/wall engineering. Moreover, the challenges and perspectives associated with improving the competitiveness of industrial strains are also discussed. This review provides effective strategies for improving the industrial phenotypes of yeast from multiple dimensions in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, PR China
- Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province & Engineering Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Pharmaceutical Development of Growth Factors, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, PR China
| | - Yunfei Chu
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, PR China
- Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province & Engineering Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Pharmaceutical Development of Growth Factors, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, PR China
| | - Xiameng Dong
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325006, PR China.
| | - Hao Ji
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, PR China.
- Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province & Engineering Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Pharmaceutical Development of Growth Factors, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang FL, Zhang L, Zeng DW, Liao S, Fan Y, Champreda V, Runguphan W, Zhao XQ. Engineering yeast cell factories to produce biodegradable plastics and their monomers: Current status and prospects. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108222. [PMID: 37516259 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Traditional plastic products have caused serious environmental pollution due to difficulty to be degraded in the natural environment. In the recent years, biodegradable plastics are receiving increasing attention due to advantages in natural degradability and environmental friendliness. Biodegradable plastics have potential to be used in food, agriculture, industry, medicine and other fields. However, the high production cost of such plastics is the bottleneck that limits their commercialization and application. Yeasts, including budding yeast and non-conventional yeasts, are widely studied to produce biodegradable plastics and their organic acid monomers. Compared to bacteria, yeast strains are more tolerable to multiple stress conditions including low pH and high temperature, and also have other advantages such as generally regarded as safe, and no phage infection. In addition, synthetic biology and metabolic engineering of yeast have enabled its rapid and efficient engineering for bioproduction using various renewable feedstocks, especially lignocellulosic biomass. This review focuses on the recent progress in biosynthesis technology and strategies of monomeric organic acids for biodegradable polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) using yeast cell factories. Improving the performance of yeast as a cell factory and strategies to improve yeast acid stress tolerance are also discussed. In addition, the critical challenges and future prospects for the production of biodegradable plastic monomer using yeast are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- SINOPEC Dalian Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals Co., Ltd., Dalian 116045, China
| | - Du-Wen Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Sha Liao
- SINOPEC Dalian Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals Co., Ltd., Dalian 116045, China
| | - Yachao Fan
- SINOPEC Dalian Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals Co., Ltd., Dalian 116045, China
| | - Verawat Champreda
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phaholyothin Road, Khlong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Weerawat Runguphan
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phaholyothin Road, Khlong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Xin-Qing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu T, Li J, Tian C. Fungal carboxylate transporters: recent manipulations and applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:5909-5922. [PMID: 37561180 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12720-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Carboxylic acids containing acidic groups with additional keto/hydroxyl-groups or unsaturated bond have displayed great applicability in the food, agricultural, cosmetic, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. The traditional approach for carboxylate production through chemical synthesis is based on petroleum derivatives, resulting in concerns for the environmental complication and energy crisis, and increasing attention has been attracted to the eco-friendly and renewable bio-based synthesis for carboxylate production. The efficient and specific export of target carboxylic acids through the microbial membrane is essential for high productivity, yield, and titer of bio-based carboxylates. Therefore, understanding the characteristics, regulations, and efflux mechanisms of carboxylate transporters will efficiently increase industrial biotechnological production of carboxylic acids. Several transporters from fungi have been reported and used for improved synthesis of target products. The transport activity and substrate specificity are two key issues that need further improvement in the application of carboxylate transporters. This review presents developments in the structural and functional diversity of carboxylate transporters, focusing on the modification and regulation of carboxylate transporters to alter the transport activity and substrate specificity, providing new strategy for transporter engineering in constructing microbial cell factory for carboxylate production. KEY POINTS: • Structures of multiple carboxylate transporters have been predicted. • Carboxylate transporters can efficiently improve production. • Modification engineering of carboxylate transporters will be more popular in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taju Wu
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Jingen Li
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China.
| | - Chaoguang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lv X, Jin K, Yi Y, Song L, Xiu X, Liu Y, Li J, Du G, Chen J, Liu L. Analysis of acid-tolerance mechanism based on membrane microdomains in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:180. [PMID: 37700284 PMCID: PMC10498586 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02195-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used in the biosynthesis of acid products such as organic acids owing to its acid tolerance. Improving the acid tolerance of S. cerevisiae is beneficial for expanding its application range. Our previous study isolated the TAMC strain that was tolerant to a pH 2.3 through adaptive laboratory evolution; however, its mechanism underlying tolerance to low pH environment remains unclear. RESULTS In this study, through visual observation and order analysis of plasma membrane and membrane microdomains, we revealed that the membrane microdomains of TAMC strain play an indispensable role in acid tolerance. Transcriptomic analysis showed an increase in the expression of genes related to key components of membrane microdomains in TAMC strain. Furthermore, an obvious reduction was observed in the acid tolerance of the strain with sterol C-24 methyltransferase encoding gene ERG6 knockout for inhibiting membrane microdomain formation. Finally, colocalization analysis of H+-ATPase PMA1 and plasma membrane protein PMP1 showed that disruption of membrane microdomains could inhibit the formation of the H+-ATPase complex. CONCLUSIONS Membrane microdomains could provide a platform for forming H+-ATPase complexes to facilitate intracellular H+ homeostasis, and thereby improve cell acid resistance. This study proposed a novel acid tolerance mechanism, providing a new direction for the rational engineering of acid-tolerant strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Yixing Institute of Food Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, 214200, China
| | - Ke Jin
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Yixing Institute of Food Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, 214200, China
| | - Yu Yi
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Lingang Song
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Xiang Xiu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jianghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Guocheng Du
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Yixing Institute of Food Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, 214200, China
| | - Long Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
- Yixing Institute of Food Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, 214200, China.
- Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu T, Sun L, Zhang C, Liu Y, Li J, Du G, Lv X, Liu L. Combinatorial metabolic engineering and process optimization enables highly efficient production of L-lactic acid by acid-tolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 379:129023. [PMID: 37028528 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
L-lactic acid (L-LA) is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. In recent years, the production of L-LA using microbial fermentation has been favored. Herein, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae TAM strain tolerant to pH 2.4, was used as the starting strain. Exogenous L-lactate dehydrogenase expressing S. cerevisiae TAM strain with downregulated glycerol and ethanol synthesis pathways produced an L-LA titer of 29.8 g/L, and it increased to 50.5 g/L after carboxylic acid transport pathway modulation at the shake-flask level. Subsequently, increased energy supply and redox balancing increased the L-LA titer to 72.7 g/L in shake-flask fermentation without a neutralizer, with the yield of 0.66 g/g. Finally, optimization of the fermentation conditions, such as the seed quantity, oxygen level, and pH in a 15-L bioreactor, increased the L-LA titer to 192.3 g/L at pH 4.5, with a yield of 0.78 g/g. Overall, this study proposes an efficient L-LA bioproduction method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Li Sun
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Jiangsu Guoxin Union Energy Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jianghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Guocheng Du
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Xueqin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Long Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen Z, Zhang C, Pei L, Qian Q, Lu L. Production of L-Malic Acid by Metabolically Engineered Aspergillus nidulans Based on Efficient CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre- loxP Systems. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:719. [PMID: 37504708 PMCID: PMC10381526 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus nidulans has been more extensively characterized than other Aspergillus species considering its morphology, physiology, metabolic pathways, and genetic regulation. As it has a rapid growth rate accompanied by simple nutritional requirements and a high tolerance to extreme cultural conditions, A. nidulans is a promising microbial cell factory to biosynthesize various products in industry. However, it remains unclear for whether it is also a suitable host for synthesizing abundant L-malic acid. In this study, we developed a convenient and efficient double-gene-editing system in A. nidulans strain TN02A7 based on the CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre-loxP systems. Using this gene-editing system, we made a L-malic acid-producing strain, ZQ07, derived from TN02A7, by deleting or overexpressing five genes (encoding Pyc, pyruvate carboxylase; OahA, oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase; MdhC, malate dehydrogenase; DctA, C4-dicarboxylic acid transporter; and CexA, citric acid transporter). The L-malic acid yield in ZQ07 increased to approximately 9.6 times higher (up to 30.7 g/L titer) than that of the original unedited strain TN02A7, in which the production of L-malic acid was originally very low. The findings in this study not only demonstrate that A. nidulans could be used as a potential host for biosynthesizing organic acids, but also provide a highly efficient gene-editing strategy in filamentous fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lingling Pei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qi Qian
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|