Novel wine yeast with mutations in YAP1 that produce less acetic acid during fermentation

Cytosolic Peroxiredoxin TSA1 Influences Acetic Acid Metabolism and pH Homeostasis in Wine Yeasts

Acetic acid is a key metabolite in yeast fermentation, influencing wine quality through its role in volatile acidity. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, acetic acid production involves aldehyde dehydrogenases, primarily Ald6p during fermentation and Ald4p under respiratory conditions. However, the regulatory mechanisms of these enzymes throughout fermentation and how they differ in commonly used strains remain partially unclear. This study explores cytosolic peroxiredoxin Tsa1p as a novel regulator of acetic acid metabolism. TSA1 gene deletion revealed strain-dependent effects on acetic acid metabolism and tolerance, showing reduced production and enhanced consumption in the laboratory media. Under respiration, Ald4p-driven acetic acid production, which raises extracellular pH, was mitigated by the absence of Tsa1p. During wine fermentation, TSA1 deletion decreased the initial acetic acid surge by downregulating the ALD6 transcription and enzymatic activity. These findings establish Tsa1p as a metabolic regulator and a potential target for modulating acetic acid levels to manage volatile acidity and improve wine quality.

Comparison between Membrane and Thermal Dealcoholization Methods: Their Impact on the Chemical Parameters, Volatile Composition, and Sensory Characteristics of Wines

Over the last few years, the dealcoholization of wine has piqued the interest of winemakers and researchers. Physical dealcoholization methods are increasingly used in the dealcoholization of wines because they can partially or completely reduce the alcohol content of wines. This study aimed to compare the chemical parameters, volatile composition and sensory quality of white, rosé and red wines dealcoholized by two physical dealcoholization methods: reverse osmosis (RO) and vacuum distillation (VD) at 0.7% v/v ethanol. RO and VD effectively reduced the ethanol concentration in all wines to the required 0.7% v/v, but also significantly affected most chemical parameters. The pH, free sulfur dioxide, total sulfur dioxide, and volatile acidity decreased significantly due to dealcoholization by RO and VD, while reducing sugars and total acidity increased significantly. VD resulted in higher color intensity, which was perceptible in dealcoholized rosé and red wines, while RO caused notable color differences in dealcoholized white and red wine fractions. RO were richer in esters (more ethyl esters and isoamyl acetate), higher alcohols, organic acids, terpenics and C₁₃-norisoprenoids, and carbonyl compounds, while wines dealcoholized with VD had lower levels of these volatile compounds, which may reflect both the loss of esters into the distillate during evaporation and condensation (in the case of VD) and a shift in the chemical equilibrium responsible for ester formation and hydrolysis after ethanol removal. β-damascenone exhibited the highest OAV in all wines, however, losses equal to 35.54–61.98% in RO dealcoholized fractions and 93.62% to 97.39% in VD dealcoholized fractions were observed compared to the control wines. The predominant aroma series in the original and dealcoholized wines were fruity and floral but were greatly affected by VD. Sensory evaluation and PCA showed that dealcoholization by RO improved the fruity and floral notes (in rosé and red wines), color intensity, sweetness, viscosity, and aroma intensity better than dealcoholization by VD, while VD mainly enhanced the color of the dealcoholized wines. Both methods increased the acidity of the respective dealcoholized wines. Nevertheless, RO dealcoholized wines achieved higher acceptance by the panelists than VD dealcoholized wines. Therefore, RO may be a better method for producing dealcoholized (0.7% v/v) wines with minimal impact on aroma and sensory quality.

Truth in wine yeast

Evolutionary history and early association with anthropogenic environments have made Saccharomyces cerevisiae the quintessential wine yeast. This species typically dominates any spontaneous wine fermentation and, until recently, virtually all commercially available wine starters belonged to this species. The Crabtree effect, and the ability to grow under fully anaerobic conditions, contribute decisively to their dominance in this environment. But not all strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are equally suitable as starter cultures. In this article, we review the physiological and genetic characteristics of S. cerevisiae wine strains, as well as the biotic and abiotic factors that have shaped them through evolution. Limited genetic diversity of this group of yeasts could be a constraint to solving the new challenges of oenology. However, research in this field has for many years been providing tools to increase this diversity, from genetic engineering and classical genetic tools to the inclusion of other yeast species in the catalogues of wine yeasts. On occasion, these less conventional species may contribute to the generation of interspecific hybrids with S. cerevisiae. Thus, our knowledge about wine strains of S. cerevisiae and other wine yeasts is constantly expanding. Over the last decades, wine yeast research has been a pillar for the modernisation of oenology, and we can be confident that yeast biotechnology will keep contributing to solving any challenges, such as climate change, that we may face in the future.

Concentration with Nanofiltration of Red Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Produced from Conventionally and Ecologically Grown Grapes: Effect on Volatile Compounds and Chemical Composition

Ecological viticulture represent an upward trend in many countries. Unlike conventional viticulture, it avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and other additives, minimizing the impact of chemicals on the environment and human health. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of nanofiltration (NF) process on volatiles and chemical composition of conventional and ecological Cabernet Sauvignon red wine. The NF process was conducted on laboratory Alfa Laval LabUnit M20 (De Danske Sukkerfabrikker, Nakskov, Denmark) equipped with six NF M20 membranes in a plate module, at two temperature regimes, with and without cooling and four pressures (2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 MPa). Different processing parameters significantly influenced the permeate flux which increased when higher pressure was applied. In initial wines and obtained retentates, volatile compounds, chemical composition and elements concentration were determined. The results showed that the higher pressure and retentate cooling was more favourable for total volatiles retention than lower pressure and higher temperature. Individual compound retention depended on its chemical properties, applied processing parameters and wine composition. Nanofiltration process resulted in lower concentrations of ethanol, acetic acid (>50%), 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol (>90%). Different composition of initial feed (conventional and ecological wine) had an important impact on retention of elements.

Tasting the terroir of wine yeast innovation

Wine is an archetypal traditional fermented beverage with strong territorial and socio-cultural connotations. Its 7000 year history is patterned by a tradition of innovation. Every value-adding innovation − whether in the vineyard, winery, supply chain or marketplace − that led to the invention of a new tradition spurred progress and created a brighter future from past developments. In a way, wine traditions can be defined as remembered innovations from the distant past − inherited knowledge and wisdom that withstood the test of time. Therefore, it should not be assumed a priori that tradition and innovation are polar opposites. The relations between the forces driven by the anchors of tradition and the wings of innovation do not necessarily involve displacement, conflict or exclusiveness. Innovation can strengthen wine tradition, and the reinvention of a tradition-bound practice, approach or concept can foster innovation. In cases where a paradigm-shifting innovation disrupts a tradition, the process of such an innovation transitioning into a radically new tradition can become protracted while proponents of divergent opinions duke it out. Sometimes these conflicting opinions are based on fact, and sometimes not. The imperfections of such a debate between the ‘ancients’ and the ‘moderns’ can, from time to time, obscure the line between myth and reality. Therefore, finding the right balance between traditions worth keeping and innovations worth implementing can be complex. The intent here is to harness the creative tension between science fiction and science fact when innovation's first-principles challenge the status quo by re-examining the foundational principles about a core traditional concept, such as terroir. Poignant questions are raised about the importance of the terroir (biogeography) of yeasts and the value of the microbiome of grapes to wine quality. This article imagines a metaphorical terroir free from cognitive biases where diverse perspectives can converge to uncork the effervescent power of territorial yeast populations as well as ‘nomadic’ yeast starter cultures. At the same time, this paper also engages in mental time-travel. A future scenario is imagined, explored, tested and debated where terroir-less yeast avatars are equipped with designer genomes to safely and consistently produce, individually or in combination with region-specific wild yeasts and or other starter cultures, high-quality wine according to the preferences of consumers in a range of markets. The purpose of this review is to look beyond the horizon and to synthesize a link between what we know now and what could be. This article informs readers where to look without suggesting what they must see as a way forward. In the context of one of the world's oldest fermentation industries − steeped in a rich history of tradition and innovation − the mantra here is: respect the past, lead the present and secure the future of wine.

Aroma Profile and Chemical Composition of Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration Concentrates of Red Wine Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine aroma represents one of the main properties that determines the consumer acceptance of the wine. It is different for each wine variety and depends on a large number of various chemical compounds. The aim of this study was to prepare red wine concentrates with enriched aroma compounds and chemical composition. For that purpose, Cabernet Sauvignon red wine variety was concentrated by reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) processes under different operating conditions. Different pressures (2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 MPa) and temperature regimes (with and without cooling) were applied on Alfa Laval LabUnit M20 equipped with six composite polyamide RO98pHt M20 or NF M20 membranes. Higher pressure increased the retention of sugars, SO₂, total and volatile acids and ethanol, but the temperature increment had opposite effect. Both membranes were permeable for water, ethanol, acetic acid, 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol and their concentration decreased after wine filtration. RO98pHt membranes retained higher concentrations of total aroma compounds than NF membranes, but both processes, reverse osmosis and nanofiltration, resulted in retentates with different aroma profiles comparing to the initial wine. The retention of individual compounds depended on several factors (chemical structure, stability, polarity, applied processing parameters, etc.).

Effect of a Novel Alpha/Beta Hydrolase Domain Protein on Tolerance of K. marxianus to Lignocellulosic Biomass Derived Inhibitors

The multiple inhibitors tolerance of microorganism is important in bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass which is a promising renewable and sustainable source for biofuels and other chemicals. The disruption of an unknown α/β hydrolase, which was termed KmYME and located in mitochondria in this study, resulted in the yeast more susceptible to lignocellulose-derived inhibitors, particularly to acetic acid, furfural and 5-HMF. The KmYME disrupted strain lost more mitochondrial membrane potential, showed increased plasma membrane permeability, severer redox ratio imbalance, and increased ROS accumulation, compared with those of the non-disrupted strain in the presence of the same inhibitors. The intracellular concentration of ATP, NAD and NADP in the KmYME disrupted strain was decreased. However, disruption of KmYME did not result in a significant change of gene expression at the transcriptional level. The KmYME possessed esterase/thioesterase activity which was necessary for the resistance to inhibitors. In addition, KmYME was also required for the resistance to other stresses including ethanol, temperature, and osmotic pressure. Disruption of two possible homologous genes in S. cerevisiae also reduced its tolerance to inhibitors.

Characterization of Aroma-Active Compounds in Four Yeast Extracts Using Instrumental and Sensory Techniques

Gas chromatography-olfactometry coupled with sensory analysis and partial least-squares regression (PLSR) analysis led to the identification of the odorants responsible for the different flavors of four yeast extracts. Sensory analysis showed that LA00L had an intense sulfurous attribute, and LA00 was characterized by fatty and green notes, FA31 exhibited the floral odor, while KA02 had strong phenolic, animal, fermented, roasted, and caramellic notes. A total of 37 key aroma compounds with odor activity values greater than 1 were determined. 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol and methional were the most potent aroma compounds. In addition, the key aroma compounds in LA00L were nonanal, dimethyl disulfide, and γ-decalactone. Octanal, dimethyl disulfide, and benzeneacetaldehyde were the key aroma compounds in LA00. In FA31, styrene, benzeneacetaldehyde, and acetophenone were the key aroma compounds, while indole, 2-methoxyphenol, benzeneacetaldehyde, and p-cresol contributed significantly to the aroma of KA02. PLSR showed that p-cresol and indole were significantly responsible for the phenolic and animal notes inducing the off-flavor (yeasty odor) of yeasty extracts. More significantly, indole was first reported to have an important effect on yeasty odor.

The Influence of Selected Autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains on the Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Narince Wines

Vitis vinifera cv. Narince is a Turkish native white grape variety. In this study, volatile and sensory properties of Narince wines that are produced with autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) strains and commercial strain were compared. Autochthonous yeast strains 1044 (MG017575), 1088 (MG017577), and 1281 (MG017581) were previously isolated from spontaneous fermentations of Narince grapes. Volatile compounds formed in wines were extracted using a liquid–liquid extraction method and determined by GC-MS-FID. All yeast strains fermented Narince grape juice to dryness. The differences between the volatile profiles of the yeast strains were determined. Wines fermented with autochthonous strains 1281 and 1044 produced a higher amount of acetates and ethyl esters. While the highest concentrations of ethyl hexanoate and hexyl acetate were found in wine fermented with 1044, the highest concentrations of ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate, isoamyl acetate, and 2-phenylethyl acetate were found in wine fermented with strain 1281. Also, the highest contents of 2-phenyl ethanol and linalool were found in wine fermented with strain 1281. According to sensory analysis, the wine fermented with 1281 achieved the best scores in floral and fruity attributes, as well as balance and global impression. The data obtained in the present study showed that autochthonous yeast strains affect the final physicochemical composition and sensory profile of Narince wines.

Quantitative Trait Nucleotides Impacting the Technological Performances of Industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is certainly the prime industrial microorganism and is related to many biotechnological applications including food fermentations, biofuel production, green chemistry, and drug production. A noteworthy characteristic of this species is the existence of subgroups well adapted to specific processes with some individuals showing optimal technological traits. In the last 20 years, many studies have established a link between quantitative traits and single-nucleotide polymorphisms found in hundreds of genes. These natural variations constitute a pool of QTNs (quantitative trait nucleotides) that modulate yeast traits of economic interest for industry. By selecting a subset of genes functionally validated, a total of 284 QTNs were inventoried. Their distribution across pan and core genome and their frequency within the 1,011 Saccharomyces cerevisiae genomes were analyzed. We found that 150 of the 284 QTNs have a frequency lower than 5%, meaning that these variants would be undetectable by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This analysis also suggests that most of the functional variants are private to a subpopulation, possibly due to their adaptive role to specific industrial environment. In this review, we provide a literature survey of their phenotypic impact and discuss the opportunities and the limits of their use for industrial strain selection.

The molecular biology of fruity and floral aromas in beer and other alcoholic beverages

Aroma compounds provide attractiveness and variety to alcoholic beverages. We discuss the molecular biology of a major subset of beer aroma volatiles, fruity and floral compounds, originating from raw materials (malt and hops), or formed by yeast during fermentation. We introduce aroma perception, describe the most aroma-active, fruity and floral compounds in fruits and their presence and origin in beer. They are classified into categories based on their functional groups and biosynthesis pathways: (1) higher alcohols and esters, (2) polyfunctional thiols, (3) lactones and furanones, and (4) terpenoids. Yeast and hops are the main sources of fruity and flowery aroma compounds in beer. For yeast, the focus is on higher alcohols and esters, and particularly the complex regulation of the alcohol acetyl transferase ATF1 gene. We discuss the release of polyfunctional thiols and monoterpenoids from cysteine- and glutathione-S-conjugated compounds and glucosides, respectively, the primary biological functions of the yeast enzymes involved, their mode of action and mechanisms of regulation that control aroma compound production. Furthermore, we discuss biochemistry and genetics of terpenoid production and formation of non-volatile precursors in Humulus lupulus (hops). Insight in these pathways provides a toolbox for creating innovative products with a diversity of pleasant aromas.

Physiology, ecology and industrial applications of aroma formation in yeast

Yeast cells are often employed in industrial fermentation processes for their ability to efficiently convert relatively high concentrations of sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide. Additionally, fermenting yeast cells produce a wide range of other compounds, including various higher alcohols, carbonyl compounds, phenolic compounds, fatty acid derivatives and sulfur compounds. Interestingly, many of these secondary metabolites are volatile and have pungent aromas that are often vital for product quality. In this review, we summarize the different biochemical pathways underlying aroma production in yeast as well as the relevance of these compounds for industrial applications and the factors that influence their production during fermentation. Additionally, we discuss the different physiological and ecological roles of aroma-active metabolites, including recent findings that point at their role as signaling molecules and attractants for insect vectors.

Synthetic genome engineering forging new frontiers for wine yeast

Over the past 15 years, the seismic shifts caused by the convergence of biomolecular, chemical, physical, mathematical, and computational sciences alongside cutting-edge developments in information technology and engineering have erupted into a new field of scientific endeavor dubbed Synthetic Biology. Recent rapid advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing and DNA synthesis techniques are enabling the design and construction of new biological parts (genes), devices (gene networks) and modules (biosynthetic pathways), and the redesign of biological systems (cells and organisms) for useful purposes. In 2014, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae became the first eukaryotic cell to be equipped with a fully functional synthetic chromosome. This was achieved following the synthesis of the first viral (poliovirus in 2002 and bacteriophage Phi-X174 in 2003) and bacterial (Mycoplasma genitalium in 2008 and Mycoplasma mycoides in 2010) genomes, and less than two decades after revealing the full genome sequence of a laboratory (S288c in 1996) and wine (AWRI1631 in 2008) yeast strain. A large international project - the Synthetic Yeast Genome (Sc2.0) Project - is now underway to synthesize all 16 chromosomes (∼12 Mb carrying ∼6000 genes) of the sequenced S288c laboratory strain by 2018. If successful, S. cerevisiae will become the first eukaryote to cross the horizon of in silico design of complex cells through de novo synthesis, reshuffling, and editing of genomes. In the meantime, yeasts are being used as cell factories for the semi-synthetic production of high-value compounds, such as the potent antimalarial artemisinin, and food ingredients, such as resveratrol, vanillin, stevia, nootkatone, and saffron. As a continuum of previously genetically engineered industrially important yeast strains, precision genome engineering is bound to also impact the study and development of wine yeast strains supercharged with synthetic DNA. The first taste of what the future holds is the de novo production of the raspberry ketone aroma compound, 4-[4-hydroxyphenyl]butan-2-one, in a wine yeast strain (AWRI1631), which was recently achieved via metabolic pathway engineering and synthetic enzyme fusion. A peek over the horizon is revealing that the future of "Wine Yeast 2.0" is already here. Therefore, this article seeks to help prepare the wine industry - an industry rich in history and tradition on the one hand, and innovation on the other - for the inevitable intersection of the ancient art practiced by winemakers and the inventive science of pioneering "synthetic genomicists". It would be prudent to proactively engage all stakeholders - researchers, industry practitioners, policymakers, regulators, commentators, and consumers - in a meaningful dialog about the potential challenges and opportunities emanating from Synthetic Biology. To capitalize on the new vistas of synthetic yeast genomics, this paper presents wine yeast research in a fresh context, raises important questions and proposes new directions.

Effect of initial ph on growth characteristics and fermentation properties of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

As the core microorganism of wine making, Saccharomyces cerevisiae encounter low pH stress at the beginning of fermentation. Effect of initial pH (4.50, 3.00, 2.75, 2.50) on growth and fermentation performance of 3 S. cerevisiae strains Freddo, BH8, Nº.7303, different tolerance at low pH, chosen from 12 strains, was studied. The values of yeast growth (OD600 , colony forming units, cell dry weight), fermentation efficiency (accumulated mass loss, change of total sugar concentration), and fermentation products (ethanol, glycerol, acetic acid, and l-succinic acid) at different pH stress were measured. The results showed that the initial pH of must was a vital factor influencing yeast growth and alcoholic fermentation. Among the 3 strains, strain Freddo and BH8 were more tolerant than Nº.7303, so they were affected slighter than the latter. Among the 4 pH values, all the 3 strains showed adaptation even at pH 2.50; pH 2.75 and 2.50 had more vital effect on yeast growth and fermentation products in contrast with pH 4.50 and 3.00. In general, low initial pH showed the properties of prolonging yeast lag phase, affecting accumulated mass loss, changing the consumption rate of total sugar, increasing final content of acetic acid and glycerol, and decreasing final content of ethanol and l- succinic acid, except some special cases. Based on this study, the effect of low pH on wine products would be better understood and the tolerance mechanism of low pH of S. cerevisiae could be better explored in future.

Functional improvement of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to reduce volatile acidity in wine

Control of volatile acidity (VA) is a major issue for wine quality. In this study, we investigated the production of VA by a deletion mutant of the fermentation stress response gene AAF1 in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fermentations were carried out in commercial Chardonnay grape must to mimic industrial wine-making conditions. We demonstrated that a wine yeast strain deleted for AAF1 reduced acetic acid levels in wine by up to 39.2% without increasing the acetaldehyde levels, revealing a potential for industrial application. Deletion of the cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase gene ALD6 also reduced acetic acid levels dramatically, but increased the acetaldehyde levels by 41.4%, which is not desired by the wine industry. By comparison, ALD4 and the AAF1 paralog RSF2 had no effects on acetic acid production in wine. Deletion of AAF1 was detrimental to the growth of ald6Δ and ald4Δald6Δ mutants, but had no effect on acetic acid production. Overexpression of AAF1 dramatically increased acetic acid levels in wine in an Ald6p-dependent manner, indicating that Aaf1p regulates acetic acid production mainly via Ald6p. Overexpression of AAF1 in an ald4Δald6Δ strain produced significantly more acetic acid in wine than the ald4Δald6Δ mutant, suggesting that Aaf1p may also regulate acetic acid synthesis independently of Ald4p and Ald6p.