Growth-dependent secretome of Candida utilis

Sensitivity Analysis of C. auris, S. cerevisiae, and C. cladosporioides by Irradiation with Far-UVC, UVC, and UVB

Background

The World Health Organization has published a list of pathogenic fungi with prior-itizing groups and calls for research and development of antifungal measures, with Candida auris belonging to the group with high priority.

Methods

The photosensitivity towards short wavelength ultraviolet irradiation (Far-UVC, UVC, and UVB) was investigated and compared to other yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and a mold (Cladosporium cladosporioides). The observed 1-log reduction doses were compared to literature values of other representatives of the genus Candida, but also with S. cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, and A. fumigatus.

Results

For the determined 1-log reduction doses, an increase with higher wavelengths was observed. A 1-log reduction dose of 4.3 mJ/cm2 was determined for C. auris when irradiated at 222 nm, a dose of 6.1 mJ/cm2 at 254 nm and a 1-log reduction dose of 51.3 mJ/cm2 was required when irradiated with UVB.

Conclusions

It was observed that S. cerevisiae is a possible surrogate for C. auris for irradiation with Far-UVC and UVB due to close 1-log reduction doses. No surrogate suitability was verified for C. cladosporioides in relation to A. niger and A. fumigatus for irradiation with a wavelength of 254 nm and for A. niger at 222 nm.

Improvement of ribonucleic acid production in Cyberlindnera jadinii and optimization of fermentation medium

To enhance the ribonucleic acid (RNA) productivity for industrial applications, this study employed strain screening and medium optimization to improve the content of RNA in Cyberlindnera jadinii. A rapid screening method, combining atmospheric and room temperature plasma mutagenesis, 48-deep-well plates fermentation, and microplate reader detection, was developed. A mutant strain named WB15 with high RNA content was successfully obtained, exhibiting the RNA content of 156 ± 4.5 mg/g DCW, 1.4 times of the starting strain CCTCC AY 92020. Furthermore, Plackett-Burman design and response surface methodology were employed to identify three significant factors (yeast extract, soybean peptone, and KH2PO4) affecting the RNA content. By utilizing the optimal medium composed of 13.43 g/L yeast extract, 12.12 g/L soybean peptone and 2.78 g/L KH2PO4, the RNA content of WB15 further increased to 184 ± 4.9 mg/g DCW. Additionally, the mutant strain WB15 exhibited a greater cellular width compared to AY 92020, along with increased growth rate and single-cell RNA content by 22% and 48.9%, respectively. Perturbations in ribosome assembly, specifically a reduction in the ratio of ribosomal proteins to ribosomal RNA of the large subunit, might indirectly contribute to the higher RNA content in the WB15 strain. Overall, the combination of rapid screening with fermentation medium optimization proved to be an effective approach for improving the RNA content of C. jadinii, thus facilitating the industrial production of RNA.

Emerging relevance of cell wall components from non-conventional yeasts as functional ingredients for the food and feed industry

Non-conventional yeast species, or non-Saccharomyces yeasts, are increasingly recognized for their involvement in fermented foods. Many of them exhibit probiotic characteristics that are mainly due to direct contacts with other cell types through various molecular components of their cell wall. The biochemical composition and/or the molecular structure of the cell wall components are currently considered the primary determinant of their probiotic properties. Here we first present the techniques that are used to extract and analyze the cell wall components of food industry-related non-Saccharomyces yeasts. We then review the current understanding of the cell wall composition and structure of each polysaccharide from these yeasts. Finally, the data exploring the potential beneficial role of their cell wall components, which could be a source of innovative functional ingredients, are discussed. Such research would allow the development of high value-added products and provide the food industry with novel inputs beyond the well-established S. cerevisiae.

An integrated transcriptomic and metabolic phenotype analysis to uncover the metabolic characteristics of a genetically engineered Candida utilis strain expressing δ-zein gene

Introduction

Candida utilis (C. utilis) has been extensively utilized as human food or animal feed additives. With its ability to support heterologous gene expression, C. utilis proves to be a valuable platform for the synthesis of proteins and metabolites that possess both high nutritional and economic value. However, there remains a dearth of research focused on the characteristics of C. utilis through genomic, transcriptomic and metabolic approaches.

Methods

With the aim of unraveling the molecular mechanism and genetic basis governing the biological process of C. utilis, we embarked on a de novo sequencing endeavor to acquire comprehensive sequence data. In addition, an integrated transcriptomic and metabolic phenotype analysis was performed to compare the wild-type C. utilis (WT) with a genetically engineered strain of C. utilis that harbors the heterologous δ-zein gene (RCT).

Results

δ-zein is a protein rich in methionine found in the endosperm of maize. The integrated analysis of transcriptomic and metabolic phenotypes uncovered significant metabolic diversity between the WT and RCT C. utilis. A total of 252 differentially expressed genes were identified, primarily associated with ribosome function, peroxisome activity, arginine and proline metabolism, carbon metabolism, and fatty acid degradation. In the experimental setup using PM1, PM2, and PM4 plates, a total of 284 growth conditions were tested. A comparison between the WT and RCT C. utilis demonstrated significant increases in the utilization of certain carbon source substrates by RCT. Gelatin and glycogen were found to be significantly utilized to a greater extent by RCT compared to WT. Additionally, in terms of sulfur source substrates, RCT exhibited significantly increased utilization of O-Phospho-L-Tyrosine and L-Methionine Sulfone when compared to WT.

Discussion

The introduction of δ-zein gene into C. utilis may lead to significant changes in the metabolic substrates and metabolic pathways, but does not weaken the activity of the strain. Our study provides new insights into the transcriptomic and metabolic characteristics of the genetically engineered C. utilis strain harboring δ-zein gene, which has the potential to advance the utilization of C. utilis as an efficient protein feed in agricultural applications.

Proteolytic activity under white wine fermentation by Hanseniaspora vineae yeast strains

Apiculate yeasts from Hanseniaspora genus are predominant on the native flora of grapevines, while Hanseniaspora uvarum is well known for its abundant presence in grapes, it results generally, in detrimental quality effects on wine due to high production of acetic acid. By contrast, Hanseniaspora vineae is better adapted to fermentation, increasing flavor complexity in wines as it has been demonstrated in winemaking practices during the last decade. We obtained a collection of more than 22 different Hanseniaspora vineae strains from which we could detect, by a plating screening method, high and moderate protease activity. In this study, we tested these strains under real winemaking conditions on a Sauvignon blanc white wine must. Results obtained demonstrated that there is an interesting protease active diversity in all H. vineae strains when compared to conventional fermentations conducted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Four H. vineae strains showed a decrease in wine protein turbidity, up to three times lower than that observed in S. cerevisiae, which imply a significant decrease in the demand for bentonite before bottling. This attribute of some H. vineaestrains should be very attractive at the commercial level to reduce manipulations and flavor removal in the production of delicate white wines such as Sauvignon blanc.

Single Cell Protein for Foods and Feeds: A Review of Trends

Introduction:

Predictions on the world’s population in the next few decades suggest that the global demand for animal-derived proteins may not be met if current conventional agriculture approaches are used. One promising solution to this complex crisis lies in the use of single-cell proteins (SCP). SCP refers to the edible biomass of unicellular microorganisms and can be developed as animal feeds or human foods. This paper provides a detailed overview on research towards the production and utilisation of SCPs and trends within the field.

Study Design:

A bibliometric based study was conducted on 425 SCP research articles collected from the Web of Science database, analysing the most cited papers using VOSviewer software, and contributing authors, affiliations and country of origin. Research publications on SCP started in 1961 and has grown steadily over the years.

Discussion:

Emerging research topics within SCP production focused on the use of improved fungal strains, the composition and characteristics of SCPs based on the type of substrates used, industrial production processes and the use of waste for SCP production, which serves the dual purpose of mitigating the cost associated with waste disposal and production of a valuable product.

Ca2Fe2O5 powder antifungal activity to the Candida utilis culture upon its growth

This study reports the impact of Ca₂Fe₂O₅ porous powder on the yeast Candida utilis-as a fungal model-at different phases of growth, i.e., early exponential (6 h), mid-log (11 h), and stationary (17 h) phases. Ca₂Fe₂O₅ inhibited the cell growth in a time-dependent manner. After 120 min incubation, the fungicidal activity of porous powder was observed, i.e., log reduction of 2.81 and 2.58 for 11 and 17 h cultures, respectively, reaching the maximum of 4 log reduction after 7 days. Nevertheless, the 6 h culture of C. utilis showed enhanced resistance to Ca₂Fe₂O₅ with a ≤ 0.4 log reduction during the 7 days exposure. Our results not only showed that Ca₂Fe₂O₅ has the potential to effectively eliminate the C. utilis cell growth but also indicated the importance of the yeast culture physiological state for resistance to Ca₂Fe₂O₅. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluated the fungicidal activity of Ca₂Fe₂O₅ porous powder on C. utilis and the impact of the C. utilis phase of growth on the cell susceptibility.

Biological Extraction, HPLC Quantification and Medical Applications of Astaxanthin Extracted from Crawfish “Procambarus clarkii” Exoskeleton By-Product

Simple Summary

The study aims to provide an eco-friendly method for the extraction of the natural pigment called “astaxanthin” from crawfish powder. Bacterial and fungal strains that are beneficial to humans were used as an alternative method of extraction instead of using chemicals. Astaxanthin concentration was determined using an analytical tool referred to as “high-performance liquid chromatography” (HPLC). The results were promising; however, future studies can provide more effective methods for obtaining better results. Several tests were done to evaluate the biological activity of extracted astaxanthin such as antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer. Further purification of the extracted astaxanthin from crawfish exoskeleton needed to be done to assure that the results of the tests obtained were only due to the action of astaxanthin.

Abstract

The main challenge of astaxanthin extraction is to provide an eco-friendly method of extraction instead of chemical methods that harm human health. This study provided an eco-friendly method for astaxanthin extraction using two bacterial and fungal probiotics (Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus lactis, Candida utilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, respectively) and determined the astaxanthin concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The results showed that the highest concentration was obtained by S. cerevisiae (45.69 µg/g). Several biological tests were done on the exoskeleton containing astaxanthin of crawfish. Antifungal activity was effective against C. utilis (inhibition zone is 12.3 ± 0.5 mm). The scavenging percentage of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH scavenging percentage) was 72.1% at 1000 µg/mL concentration of exoskeleton containing astaxanthin. The Hemolysis inhibition percentage was 65% at the same concentration used previously. Furthermore, the IC50 value of human liver cancer cell line (HepG2), human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCT), and breast cancer cell line MCF-7 were 24 µg/mL, 11 µg/mL, and 9.5 µg/mL, respectively. The least cell viability percentage was 19% (using breast cancer cell line (MCF-7)) at 100 µg/mL of exoskeleton containing astaxanthin. Thus, using microorganisms can be an alternative and promising way of astaxanthin extraction. Furthermore, purification of extracted astaxanthin is essential for medical applications.

TAQing2.0 for genome reorganization of asexual industrial yeasts by direct protein transfection

Genomic rearrangements often generate phenotypic diversification. We previously reported the TAQing system where genomic rearrangements are induced via conditional activation of a restriction endonuclease in yeast and plant cells to produce mutants with marked phenotypic changes. Here we developed the TAQing2.0 system based on the direct delivery of endonucleases into the cell nucleus by cell-penetrating peptides. Using the optimized procedure, we introduce a heat-reactivatable endonuclease TaqI into an asexual industrial yeast (torula yeast), followed by a transient heat activation of TaqI. TAQing2.0 leads to generation of mutants with altered flocculation and morphological phenotypes, which exhibit changes in chromosomal size. Genome resequencing suggested that torula yeast is triploid with six chromosomes and the mutants have multiple rearrangements including translocations having the TaqI recognition sequence at the break points. Thus, TAQing2.0 is expected as a useful method to obtain various mutants with altered phenotypes without introducing foreign DNA into asexual industrial microorganisms.

The TAQing system is upgraded and optimised as the foreign-DNA-free genome engineering technology, TAQing2.0. Genomic rearrangements are randomly induced by introducing the TaqI restriction endonuclease into non-sporulating industrial yeast with cell-penetrating peptides, leading to generation of mutants with altered phenotypes.

Humoral immune responses against facultative pathogen Candida utilis in atopic patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Candida utilis glucomannan - New serologic biomarker

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most commonly reported female genital tract infections, affecting approximately 70-75% of childbearing age women at least once during their lifetime. Approximately 50% of patients have refractory episodes and in 5-10% of cases the disease has a chronic course. The fungal cell wall represents the important host-invader interface. Cell-wall polysaccharides represent biological response modifiers and the pathogen-associated molecular patterns and virulence factors. Glycans are sensed by germ-line encoded pattern recognition receptors and reactively participate in immune system cell signaling. The most dominant cell-wall antigenic structures of Candida species as ß-glucan, α- and ß-mannans, glucomannan and other immunogenic polysaccharides are of particular relevancy for specific in vitro diagnosis and long-term follow-up of the Candida infection. In this study we assessed the immunobiological activity of facultative pathogen Candida utilis cell glucomannan and its effectivity as in vitro serological marker for antibody testing. The novel serologic assay has been developed and optimized for C. utilis serodiagnosis. The comparison assays were performed to establish relationship between antibodies against C. utilis, C. albicans and S. cerevisiae main cell-wall antigens in patient sera. The study evaluates applicability of glucomannan as serodiagnostic antigen and as a trigger of antigenspecific IgG, IgM and IgA antibody isotypes in the cohort of 35 atopic female subjects with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Statistically significant sera values of specific anti-glycan IgM and IgA class antibodies were revealed. The results are suggestive for efficient serological application of C.utilis glucomannan as in vitro disease marker and prospectively for follow-up of the specific long-term antimycotic therapy.

Expanding the Knowledge on the Skillful Yeast Cyberlindnera jadinii

Cyberlindnera jadinii is widely used as a source of single-cell protein and is known for its ability to synthesize a great variety of valuable compounds for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Its capacity to produce compounds such as food additives, supplements, and organic acids, among other fine chemicals, has turned it into an attractive microorganism in the biotechnology field. In this review, we performed a robust phylogenetic analysis using the core proteome of C. jadinii and other fungal species, from Asco- to Basidiomycota, to elucidate the evolutionary roots of this species. In addition, we report the evolution of this species nomenclature over-time and the existence of a teleomorph (C. jadinii) and anamorph state (Candida utilis) and summarize the current nomenclature of most common strains. Finally, we highlight relevant traits of its physiology, the solute membrane transporters so far characterized, as well as the molecular tools currently available for its genomic manipulation. The emerging applications of this yeast reinforce its potential in the white biotechnology sector. Nonetheless, it is necessary to expand the knowledge on its metabolism, regulatory networks, and transport mechanisms, as well as to develop more robust genetic manipulation systems and synthetic biology tools to promote the full exploitation of C. jadinii.

Non-Saccharomyces in Winemaking: Source of Mannoproteins, Nitrogen, Enzymes, and Antimicrobial Compounds

Traditionally, non-Saccharomyces yeasts have been considered contaminants because of their high production of metabolites with negative connotations in wine. This aspect has been changing in recent years due to an increased interest in the use of these yeasts in the winemaking process. The majority of these yeasts have a low fermentation power, being used in mixed fermentations with Saccharomyces cerevisiae due to their ability to produce metabolites of enological interest, such as glycerol, fatty acids, organic acids, esters, higher alcohols, stable pigments, among others. Additionally, existing literature reports various compounds derived from the cellular structure of non-Saccharomyces yeasts with benefits in the winemaking process, such as polysaccharides, proteins, enzymes, peptides, amino acids, or antimicrobial compounds, some of which, besides contributing to improving the quality of the wine, can be used as a source of nitrogen for the fermentation yeasts. These compounds can be produced exogenously, and later incorporated into the winemaking process, or be uptake directly by S. cerevisiae from the fermentation medium after their release via lysis of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in sequential fermentations.

The ploidy determination of the biotechnologically important yeast Candida utilis

Yeast Candida utilis is considered to be a potentially advantageous expression system for production of recombinant proteins utilizable for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes. As the scientific literature is not consistent in the ploidy of this yeast, in this work, we focused on resolving the problem via several methods such as the copy number determination of maltase gene by multiplex PCR, measuring α-glucosidase activity, the characterization of maltase gene copy number in deletion mutants using qPCR and flow cytometry. In context with the published data and results obtained in this study about the copy number of the maltase gene on C. utilis genome, we attempted to hypothesise and made conclusion about the ploidy of C. utilis. The results of this work, besides the biotechnological aspect, contribute to the elementary knowledge of C. utilis. The exact information about the ploidy or more specifically about the copy number of appropriate gene is essential for expression cassette dosage determination integrated into the chromosome of the host. In this study, we come to the conclusion that the maltase gene is present in C. utilis genome in four alleles, and in combination with flow cytometry, published information and the published genome sequences, the observations support the theory about tetraploidy of C. utilis.

The secretome of Pichia pastoris in fed-batch cultivations is largely independent of the carbon source but changes quantitatively over cultivation time

The quantitative changes of the secretome of recombinant Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii) CBS7435 over the time-course of methanol- or glucose-limited fed-batch cultures were investigated by LC-ESI-MS/MS to define the carbon source-specific secretomes under controlled bioreactor conditions. In both set-ups, no indication for elevated cell lysis was found. The quantitative data revealed that intact and viable P. pastoris cells secrete only a low number of endogenous proteins (in total 51), even during high cell density cultivation. Interestingly, no marked differences in the functional composition of the P. pastoris secretome between methanol- and glucose-grown cultures were observed with only few proteins being specifically affected by the carbon source. The 'core secretome' of 22 proteins present in all analysed carbon sources (glycerol, glucose and methanol) consists mainly of cell wall proteins. The quantitative analysis additionally revealed that most secretome proteins were already present after the batch phase, and depletion rather than accumulation occurred during the fed-batch processes. Among the changes over cultivation time, the depletion of both the extracellularly detected chaperones and the only two identified proteases (Pep4 and Yps1-1) during the methanol- or glucose-feed phase appear as most prominent.

Global Secretome Characterization of the Pathogenic Yeast Candida glabrata

Secretory proteins are key modulators of host–pathogen interaction. The human opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida glabrata lacks secreted proteolytic activity but possesses 11 glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored aspartyl proteases, also referred to as Yapsins (CgYps1–11), that are essential for its virulence. To delineate the role of CgYapsins in interaction with host cells, we have profiled, through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach, the total secretome of wild-type and Cgyps1-11Δ mutant. The wild-type secretome consisted of 119 proteins which were primarily involved in cell wall organization, carbohydrate metabolism, proteolysis, and translation processes. Of eight CgYapsins identified in the secretome, the release of two major CgYapsins, CgYps1 and CgYps7, to the medium was confirmed by Western analysis. Further, comparative analysis revealed 20 common proteins, probably signifying the core fungal secretome, among C. glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans secretomes. Strikingly, the Cgyps1-11Δ secretome was 4.6-fold larger, and contained 65 differentially abundant proteins, as revealed by label-free quantitative profiling, with 49 and 16 being high- and low-abundant proteins, respectively, compared to the wild-type secretome. Importantly, the CgMsb2 mucin, a putative CgYapsins’ substrate, was six-fold underrepresented in the mutant secretome. Altogether, we demonstrate for the first time that CgYapsins are both bona fide constituents and key modulators of the C. glabrata secretome.

Multiscale design of a dairy beverage model composed of Candida utilis single cell protein supplemented with oleic acid

One of the main challenges in the food industry is to design strategies for the successful incorporation of natural sources of bioactive compounds. Recently, yogurts and other fermented dairy beverages have been proposed as ideal carriers of such bioactive compounds such as fatty acids and antioxidants that could improve consumers' health. However, the incorporation of new ingredients causes functional and structural modifications that may affect the consumers' preferences. In this work, a dairy beverage model supplemented with oleic acid has been designed by partial substitution of milk by Candida utilis single-cell protein extract. The changes in the structural properties of this new beverage were evaluated by following the fermentation process, pH, aggregate size, microstructure, and changes in rheological properties. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to analyze the interaction between its main components. Our data revealed that samples with a percentage of milk substitution of 30% showed a higher viscosity as compared with the other percentages and less viscosity than the control (no substitution). These samples were then selected for fortification by incorporating oleic acid microcapsules. A concentration of 1.5 g/100 g was shown to be the optimal quantity of microcapsules for oleic acid supplementation. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed glutathione as an important component of the micro-gel structure. The present study forms the basis for novel studies where Candida utilis single-cell protein and microencapsulated essential oils could be used to design innovative bioproducts.

Established and Upcoming Yeast Expression Systems

Yeast was the first microorganism used by mankind for biotransformation of feedstock that laid the foundations of industrial biotechnology. Long historical use, vast amount of data, and experience paved the way for Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a first yeast cell factory, and still it is an important expression platform as being the production host for several large volume products. Continuing special needs of each targeted product and different requirements of bioprocess operations have led to identification of different yeast expression systems. Modern bioprocess engineering and advances in omics technology, i.e., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, secretomics, and interactomics, allow the design of novel genetic tools with fine-tuned characteristics to be used for research and industrial applications. This chapter focuses on established and upcoming yeast expression platforms that have exceptional characteristics, such as the ability to utilize a broad range of carbon sources or remarkable resistance to various stress conditions. Besides the conventional yeast S. cerevisiae, established yeast expression systems including the methylotrophic yeasts Pichia pastoris and Hansenula polymorpha, the dimorphic yeasts Arxula adeninivorans and Yarrowia lipolytica, the lactose-utilizing yeast Kluyveromyces lactis, the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and upcoming yeast platforms, namely, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Candida utilis, and Zygosaccharomyces bailii, are compiled with special emphasis on their genetic toolbox for recombinant protein production.

Oenological Impact of the Hanseniaspora/Kloeckera Yeast Genus on Wines—A Review

Apiculate yeasts of the genus Hanseniaspora/Kloeckera are the main species present on mature grapes and play a significant role at the beginning of fermentation, producing enzymes and aroma compounds that expand the diversity of wine color and flavor. Ten species of the genus Hanseniaspora have been recovered from grapes and are associated in two groups: H. valbyensis, H. guilliermondii, H. uvarum, H. opuntiae, H. thailandica, H. meyeri, and H. clermontiae; and H. vineae, H. osmophila, and H. occidentalis. This review focuses on the application of some strains belonging to this genus in co-fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae that demonstrates their positive contribution to winemaking. Some consistent results have shown more intense flavors and complex, full-bodied wines, compared with wines produced by the use of S. cerevisiae alone. Recent genetic and physiologic studies have improved the knowledge of the Hanseniaspora/Kloeckera species. Significant increases in acetyl esters, benzenoids, and sesquiterpene flavor compounds, and relative decreases in alcohols and acids have been reported, due to different fermentation pathways compared to conventional wine yeasts.

Identification of Secreted Candida Proteins Using Mass Spectrometry

Analysis of fungal secretomes using mass spectrometry is a useful technique in cell biology. Knowledge of the secretome of a human fungal pathogen may yield important information of host-pathogen interactions and may be useful for identifying vaccines candidates or diagnostic markers for antifungal strategies. In this chapter, with a main focus on sample preparation aspects, we describe the methodology that we apply for gel-independent batch identification and quantification of proteins that are secreted during growth in liquid cultures. Using these techniques with Candida and other yeast species, the majority of the identified proteins are classical secretory proteins and cell wall proteins containing N-terminal signal peptides for secretion, although dependent on sample preparation quality and the mass spectrometric analysis also usually, a number of nonsecretory proteins are identified.

Oral Tolerance Induction in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis with Candida utilis Expressing the Immunogenic MOG35-55 Peptide

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that attacks myelinated axons in the central nervous system. Induction of oral tolerance is a potent mechanism to prevent autoimmunity. The food yeast Candida utilis was used to test the therapeutic potential of oral tolerance induction in an animal model of human multiple sclerosis (MS). We constructed a C. utilis strain, which displays a fusion peptide composed of the encephalitogenic MOG35-55 peptide and the C. utilis Gas1 cell wall protein on its surface.By immunizing mice with MOG35-55 peptide experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in a mouse model. Feeding of mice with C. utilis that expresses MOG35-55 peptide on its surface was started seven days prior to immunization and was continued for ten days. Control animals were treated with wild-type fungus or left untreated. Untreated mice developed first clinical symptoms ten days post immunization (p. i.) with an ascending paralysis reaching maximal clinical disability at day 18 to 20 p. i.. Treatment with the wild-type strain demonstrated comparable clinical symptoms. In contrast, oral gavage of MOG35-55-presenting fungus ameliorated the development of EAE. In addition, incidence as well as maximal clinical disease severity were significantly reduced. Interestingly, reduction of disease severity also occurred in animals treated with heat-inactivated C. utilis cells indicating that tolerance induction was independent of fungal viability. Better disease outcome correlated with reduced demyelination and cellular inflammation in the spinal cord, lower T cell proliferation against rechallenge with MOG35-55 and more regulatory T cells in the lymph nodes. Our data demonstrate successful that using the food approved fungus C. utilis presenting the immunogenic MOG35-55 peptide on its surface induced an oral tolerance against this epitope in EAE. Further studies will reveal the nature and extent of an anti-inflammatory environment established by the treatment that prevents the development of an autoimmune disorder affecting the CNS.

One-pot synthesis of CuFeO2 nanoparticles capped with glycerol and proteomic analysis of their nanocytotoxicity against fungi

One-pot synthesis of cuprous ferrite (CuFeO₂) nanoparticles modified with glycerol (glycerol@CuFeO₂ NPs) using oligol and reducing agent was reported.

The structure of the Cyberlindnera jadinii genome and its relation to Candida utilis analyzed by the occurrence of single nucleotide polymorphisms

The yeast Cyberlindnera jadinii is a close relative of Candida utilis that is being used in the food and feed industries. Here, we present the 12.7Mb genome sequence of C. jadinii strain CBS 1600 generated by next generation sequencing. The deduced draft genome sequence consists of seven large scaffolds analogous to the seven largest chromosomes of C. utilis. An automated annotation of the C. jadinii genome identified 6147 protein-coding sequences. The level of ploidy for both genomes was analyzed by calling single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and was verified measuring nuclear DNA contents by florescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Both analyses determined the level of ploidy to diploid for C. jadinii and to triploid for C. utilis. However, SNP calling for C. jadinii also identified scaffold regions that seem to be haploid, triploid or tetraploid.

Secreted xylanase XynA mediates utilization of xylan as sole carbon source in Candida utilis

The fodder yeast Candida utilis is able to use xylose mono- and oligomers as sources of carbon but not the abundant polymer xylan. C. utilis transformants producing the Penicillium simplicissimum xylanase XynA were constructed using expression vectors encoding fusions of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mfα1 pre-pro secretion leader to XynA. The Mfα1-XynA fusion was efficiently processed in transformants and XynA was secreted almost quantitatively into the culture medium. Secreted XynA was enzymatically active and allowed transformants to grow on xylan as the sole carbon source. Addition of a second expression unit for the heterologous green fluorescent protein (GFP) generated C. utilis transformants, which showed intracellular GFP fluorescence during growth on xylan. The results suggest that xylanase-producing C. utilis is suited as a cost-effective host organism for heterologous protein production and for other biotechnical applications.

Interaction between Hanseniaspora uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae during alcoholic fermentation

During wine fermentation, Saccharomyces clearly dominate over non-Saccharomyces wine yeasts, and several factors could be related to this dominance. However, the main factor causing the reduction of cultivable non-Saccharomyces populations has not yet been fully established. In the present study, various single and mixed fermentations were performed to evaluate some of the factors likely responsible for the interaction between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hanseniaspora uvarum. Alcoholic fermentation was performed in compartmented experimental set ups with ratios of 1:1 and 1:9 and the cultivable population of both species was followed. The cultivable H. uvarum population decreased sharply at late stages when S. cerevisiae was present in the other compartment, similarly to alcoholic fermentations in non-compartmented vessels. Thus, cell-to-cell contact did not seem to be the main cause for the lack of cultivability of H. uvarum. Other compounds related to fermentation performance (such as sugar and ethanol) and/or certain metabolites secreted by S. cerevisiae could be related to the sharp decrease in H. uvarum cultivability. When these factors were analyzed, it was confirmed that metabolites from S. cerevisiae induced lack of cultivability in H. uvarum, however ethanol and other possible compounds did not seem to induce this effect but played some role during the process. This study contributes to a new understanding of the lack of cultivability of H. uvarum populations during the late stages of wine fermentation.

The yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus AS1 secretes a multifunctional exo-β-1,3-glucanase with implications for winemaking

A multifunctional exo-β-1,3-glucanase (WaExg2) was purified from the culture supernatant of the yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus AS1. The enzyme was identified by mass spectroscopic analysis of tryptic peptide fragments and the encoding gene WaEXG2 was sequenced. The latter codes for a protein of 427 amino acids, beginning with a probable signal peptide (17 aa) for secretion. The mature protein has a molecular mass of 47 456 Da with a calculated pI of 4.84. The somewhat higher mass of the protein in SDS-PAGE might be due to bound carbohydrates. Presumptive disulphide bridges confer a high compactness to the molecule. This explains the apparent smaller molecular mass (35 kDa) of the native enzyme determined by electrophoresis, whereas the unfolded form is consistent with the theoretical mass. Enzymatic hydrolysis of selected glycosides and glycans by WaExg2 was proved by TLC analysis of cleavage products. Glucose was detected as the sole hydrolysis product from laminarin, underlining that the enzyme acts as an exoglucanase. In addition, the enzyme efficiently hydrolysed small β-linked glycosides (arbutin, esculin, polydatin, salicin) and disaccharides (cellobiose, gentiobiose). WaExg2 was active under typical wine-related conditions, such as low pH (3.5-4.0), high sugar concentrations (up to 20% w/v), high ethanol concentrations (10-15% v/v), presence of sulphites (up to 2 mm) and various cations. Therefore, the characterized enzyme might have multiple uses in winemaking, to increase concentrations of sensory and bioactive compounds by splitting glycosylated precursors or to reduce viscosity by hydrolysis of glycan slimes.

Heterologous protein secretion by Candida utilis

The yeast Candida utilis (also referred to as Torula) is used as a whole-cell food additive and as a recombinant host for production of intracellular molecules. Here, we report recombinant C. utilis strains secreting significant amounts of Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB). Native and heterologous secretion signals led to secretion of CalB into the growth medium; CalB was enzymatically active and it carried a short N-glycosyl chain lacking extensive mannosylation. Furthermore, CalB fusions to the C. utilis Gas1 cell wall protein led to effective surface display of enzymatically active CalB and of β-galactosidase. Secretory production in C. utilis was achieved using a novel set of expression vectors containing sat1 conferring nourseothricin resistance, which could be transformed into C. utilis, Pichia jadinii, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae; C. utilis promoters including the constitutive TDH3 and the highly xylose-inducible GXS1 promoters allowed efficient gene expression. These results establish C. utilis as a promising host for the secretory production of proteins.

Advances in the proteomic investigation of the cell secretome

Studies of the cell secretome have greatly increased in recent years owing to improvements in proteomic platforms, mass spectrometry instrumentation and to the increased interaction between analytical chemists, biologists and clinicians. Several secretome studies have been implemented in different areas of research, leading to the generation of a valuable secretome catalogs. Secreted proteins continue to be an important source of biomarkers and therapeutic target discovery and are equally valuable in the field of microbiology. Several discoveries have been achieved in vitro using cell culture systems, ex vivo using human tissue specimens and in vivo using animal models. In this review, some of the most recent advances in secretome studies and the fields that have benefited the most from this evolving technology are highlighted.

Surface stress induces a conserved cell wall stress response in the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans

The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans can grow at temperatures of up to 45°C. Here, we show that at 42°C substantially less biomass was formed than at 37°C. The cells also became more sensitive to wall-perturbing compounds, and the wall chitin levels increased, changes that are indicative of wall stress. Quantitative mass spectrometry of the wall proteome using (15)N metabolically labeled wall proteins as internal standards revealed that at 42°C the levels of the β-glucan transglycosylases Phr1 and Phr2, the predicted chitin transglycosylases Crh11 and Utr2, and the wall maintenance protein Ecm33 increased. Consistent with our previous results for fluconazole stress, this suggests that a wall-remodeling response is mounted to relieve wall stress. Thermal stress as well as different wall and membrane stressors led to an increased phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase Mkc1, suggesting activation of the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway. Furthermore, all wall and membrane stresses tested resulted in diminished cell separation. This was accompanied by decreased secretion of the major chitinase Cht3 and the endoglucanase Eng1 into the medium. Consistent with this, cht3 cells showed a similar phenotype. When treated with exogenous chitinase, cell clusters both from stressed cells and mutant strains were dispersed, underlining the importance of Cht3 for cell separation. We propose that surface stresses lead to a conserved cell wall remodeling response that is mainly governed by Mkc1 and is characterized by chitin reinforcement of the wall and the expression of remedial wall remodeling enzymes.

Genome and transcriptome analysis of the food-yeast Candida utilis

The industrially important food-yeast Candida utilis is a Crabtree effect-negative yeast used to produce valuable chemicals and recombinant proteins. In the present study, we conducted whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of C. utilis, which showed that this yeast diverged long before the formation of the CUG and Saccharomyces/Kluyveromyces clades. In addition, we performed comparative genome and transcriptome analyses using next-generation sequencing, which resulted in the identification of genes important for characteristic phenotypes of C. utilis such as those involved in nitrate assimilation, in addition to the gene encoding the functional hexose transporter. We also found that an antisense transcript of the alcohol dehydrogenase gene, which in silico analysis did not predict to be a functional gene, was transcribed in the stationary-phase, suggesting a novel system of repression of ethanol production. These findings should facilitate the development of more sophisticated systems for the production of useful reagents using C. utilis.