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Genetic Features and Regulation of n-Alkane Metabolism in Yeasts

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Aerobic Utilization of Hydrocarbons, Oils, and Lipids

Part of the book series: Handbook of Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology ((HHLM))

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Abstract

The yeasts Candida tropicalis, Candida maltosa, and Yarrowia lipolytica have an excellent ability to use n-alkanes as the sole carbon and energy source. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the genetic features and regulation of n-alkane metabolism in these yeasts. The transcription of genes encoding the CYP52-family cytochromes P450 that catalyze the initial hydroxylation of n-alkanes has been shown to be activated when these yeasts are cultured in the presence of n-alkanes. In Y. lipolytica, the transcription of ALK1, the gene encoding P450, is activated by a complex composed of two basic helix-loop-helix transcription activators Yas1p and Yas2p through a promoter element ARE1. This transcription is regulated by an Opi1-family transcriptional repressor Yas3p. In the absence of n-alkanes, Yas3p binds to Yas2p in the nucleus thereby repressing the transcription of ALK1. However, in the presence of n-alkanes, Yas3p is sequestered to the endoplasmic reticulum to derepress the transcription of the gene.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

    Ryouichi Fukuda

  2. Department of Biological Chemistry, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan

    Akinori Ohta

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  1. Ryouichi Fukuda
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  2. Akinori Ohta
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Correspondence to Ryouichi Fukuda .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid, Spain

    Fernando Rojo

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Fukuda, R., Ohta, A. (2019). Genetic Features and Regulation of n-Alkane Metabolism in Yeasts. In: Rojo, F. (eds) Aerobic Utilization of Hydrocarbons, Oils, and Lipids. Handbook of Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50418-6_24

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