高效表达木糖醇脱氢酶基因酿酒酵母的构建及木酮糖发酵的初步研究

通过RT-PCR方法克隆得到Candida tropicalis木糖醇脱氢酶基因xyl2,将该基因连入酵母表达载体pYES2的诱导型启动子GAL1下,构建表达质粒pYES2-xyl2;同时用从Pichia pastoris中克隆获取的甘油醛磷酸脱氢酶基因GAP换下GAL1基因,构建含组成型启动子GAP基因的表达质粒pYES2-GAP-xyl2;通过电转化法将其依次转入酿酒酵母S.cerevisiae INVSc1,山梨醇培养基上筛选的转化子经木糖醇梯度驯化培养,筛选出1株耐木糖醇浓度为20%的酿酒酵母重组菌株ZCX4和1株在半乳糖诱导下耐木糖醇浓度为15%的重组菌株YDX2。酶活测定表明,重组菌株ZCX4比酶活0.621 U/mg(蛋白),是YDX2比酶活的2.29倍。摇瓶发酵结果显示,重组菌株ZCX4木糖醇消耗76.46 g/L,木糖醇消耗率为76.46%,是重组菌株YDX2木糖醇消耗率的1.63倍,说明木糖醇脱氢酶实现了高效表达。     

Cloning and sequence analysis of the Candida boidinii ADE2 gene

Candida boidinii ADE2 gene (phosphoribosyl-5-aminoimidazole carboxylase; AIRC, EC 4. 1. 1. 21) has been cloned by homology to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ADE2 gene. The cloned C. boidinii ADE2 gene complemented the ade2 mutation of S. cerevisiae. Sequence analysis showed a single open reading frame of 1719 nucleotides coding for a polypeptide of 573 residues. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with those of AIRC enzymes from other yeasts showed marked homology among yeast AIRCs.     

葡萄糖-6-磷酸脱氢酶基因的Candida tropicalis过量表达及其对木糖醇合成代谢的影响

研究葡萄糖-6-磷酸脱氢酶基因g6pd过量表达对Candida tropicalis木糖醇生物合成代谢的影响。克隆Candidatropicalis CT16的g6pd基因,并将其与表达载体pYES-pgk重组连接,构建重组载体pYES-pgk-g6pd,LiAc/ssDNA/PEG方法转化导入C. tropicalis CT16,筛选阳性转化子,实现g6pd基因的过量表达。结果表明：发酵62 h,阳性转化子C. tropicalis SYG5的葡萄糖-6-磷酸脱氢酶活力提高了300%,发酵液中木糖醇质量浓度达到79.90 g/L,较野生型对照菌株的木糖醇产量提高了12.41%,木糖醇产率提高了44.94%。因此,葡萄糖-6-磷酸脱氢酶在C. tropicalis木糖醇的合成代谢途径中发挥重要作用,增强g6pd基因的表达,可以明显提高菌体NADPH供应量和还原力,有利于木糖醇的生物合成。     

A new family of yeast vectors and S288C-derived strains for the systematic analysis of gene function

The yeast genome has been shown to contain a significant number of gene families with more than three members. In order to study these families it is often necessary to generate strains carrying deletions of all members of the family, which can require a wide range of auxotrophic markers. To facilitate such studies, we have generated yeast strains containing deletions of a selection of nutritional marker genes (ade2, ade4, ade8, met3 and met14). We have also cloned the corresponding cognate genes, allowing their use in PCR-based gene disruptions. Two new pRS family Saccharomyces cerevisiae-Escherichia coli shuttle vectors containing ADE8 (one low-copy, pRS4110, and one high-copy, pRS4210) have been produced for use in conjunction with the new strains. A system for easier synthetic lethal screening using one of these new markers is also presented. The ADE8 and HIS3 genes have been cloned together on a high-copy vector (pRS4213), providing a plasmid for red-white colour screening in the ade2 Delta 0 ade8 Delta 0 strains we have generated. In contrast to some conventional systems, this plasmid allows for screening using gene libraries constructed in URA3 plasmids.     

Construction of an autonomously replicating plasmid in n-alkane-assimilating yeast, Candida tropicalis

A transformation system using the autonomously replicating plasmid in the n-alkane-assimilating and asporogenic diploid yeast, Candida tropicalis, was developed. For the cloning of a DNA fragment containing a potential autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) from the genomic DNA of C. tropicalis, the ura3 mutant obtained using ethylmethane sulfonate as the host and the URA3 gene amplified by PCR using the C. tropicalis genomic DNA as a selectable marker were prepared. Comparison of ARSs among yeasts revealed that the consensus sequence found in S. cerevisiae was also present in C. tropicalis. The autonomously replicating plasmid containing the putative ARS as the shuttle vector, capable of replicating in both E. coli and C. tropicalis, was first constructed. The transformation system using this plasmid, in addition to the integrative transformation system, will be applicable to genetic studies of C. tropicalis.     

Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii ADE2 gene encoding a phosphoribosyl-aminoimidazole carboxylase.

The nucleotide sequence of a 2.8 kb fragment containing the ADE2 gene of the osmotolerant yeast Zygosaccharomyces rouxii has been determined. The gene was cloned from a Z. rouxii genomic DNA library by complementation of the Saccharomyces cerevisae ade2 mutant strain. The sequenced DNA fragment contains a 1710 bp open reading frame predicting a protein of 570 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence shares a high degree of homology with Ade2p homologues in five other yeast species.     

Development of an integrative transformation system for the opportunistic pathogenic yeast Candida lusitaniae using URA3 as a selection marker

The nucleotide sequence of the URA3 gene encoding orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase (OMP DCase) of the human opportunistic pathogen yeast Candida lusitaniae was determined by degenerate PCR and chromosome walking. Deduced amino acid sequence showed strong homologies (59-85% identity) with OMP DCases of different Saccharomycetales and allowed identification of the known conserved domains. Very close upstream from the URA3 gene, the 3'-end of a gene encoding a Gea2-like protein was identified. A non-revertible C. lusitaniae ura3 mutant was selected on the basis of 5-fluoroorotic acid resistance. The mutation was a single point mutation resulting in the amino acid substitution D95V in a highly conserved domain, and in a concomitant EcoRV restriction site polymorphism. The mutant strain was successfully transformed to prototrophy following electroporation with the URA3 gene cloned in an integrative vector, with frequencies of 100-200 transformants per micro g of DNA. Southern blot analysis revealed that almost all transformants were derived from homologous recombination events at the resident locus. The GeneBank Accession No. for C. lusitaniae URA3 gene is AF450297.     

Use of ade1 and ade2 mutations for development of a versatile red/white colour assay of amyloid‐induced oxidative stress in saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mutations in adenine biosynthesis pathway genes ADE1 and ADE2 have been conventionally used to score for prion [PSI⁺] in yeast. If ade1‐14 mutant allele is present, which contains a premature stop codon, [psi^?] yeast appear red on YPD medium owing to accumulation of a red intermediate compound in vacuoles. In [PSI⁺] yeast, partial inactivation of the translation termination factor, Sup35 protein, owing to its amyloid aggregation allows for read‐through of the ade1‐14 stop codon and the yeast appears white as the red intermediate pigment is not accumulated. The red colour development in ade1 and ade2 mutant yeast requires reduced‐glutathione, which helps in transport of the intermediate metabolite P‐ribosylaminoimidazole carboxylate into vacuoles, which develops the red colour. Here, we hypothesize that amyloid‐induced oxidative stress would deplete reduced‐glutathione levels and thus thwart the development of red colour in ade1 or ade2 yeast. Indeed, when we overexpressed amyloid‐forming human proteins TDP‐43, Aβ‐42 and Poly‐Gln‐103 and the yeast prion protein Rnq1, the otherwise red ade1 yeast yielded some white colonies. Further, the white colour eventually reverted back to red upon turning off the amyloid protein's expression. Also, the aggregate‐bearing yeast have increased oxidative stress and white phenotype yeast revert to red when grown on media with reducing agent. Furthermore, the red/white assay could also be emulated in ade2‐1, ade2Δ, and ade1Δ mutant yeast and also in an ade1‐14 mutant with erg6 gene deletion that increases cell‐wall permeability. This model would be useful tool for drug‐screening against general amyloid‐induced oxidative stress and toxicity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The red ade mutants of Kluyveromyces lactis and their classification by complementation with cloned ADE1 or ADE2 genes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Seventy-six red adenine mutants of Kluyveromyces lactis were isolated. By complementation they could be assigned to two groups with 31 and 45 mutants. Transformation of several strains from each group with plasmids containing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ADE1 or ADE2 gene showed that the largest group was ade2 and the other group was ade1. Several previously isolated ‘ade1’ mutants were classified to either group and given new gene and allele numbers. ADE1 was localized at chromosome III, closely linked to the mating type gene, making it a convenient marker for mating type. ADE2 was localized at chromosome V.     

A nuclear-encoded intein in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans.

We have used comparative sequence analysis to identify an intein-like sequence (protein splicing element) present in Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal pathogen of humans. The sequence encoding this element is present in the C. neoformans PRP8 gene, as an in-frame insertion relative to the PRP8 genes of other organisms. It contains sequences similar to those of the protein-splicing domains of two previously described yeast inteins (in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida tropicalis), although it lacks any recognizable internal endonuclease domain. The Cryptococcus neoformans intein (Cne PRP8) is only the second to be found in a eukaryote nuclear genome; the previously described yeast inteins occur at the same site in the VMA gene homologues of S. cerevisiae and C. tropicalis. The host gene of the Cryptococcus intein, PRP8, encodes a highly conserved mRNA splicing protein found as part of the spliceosome. The Cne PRP8 intein may be a useful drug target in addressing the cryptococcal infections so prevalent in AIDS patients.     

Vector YFRp1 allows transformant selection in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via resistance to formaldehyde

Formaldehyde (FA), a chemical with low toxic potential, is used as sole selective agent for transformation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Neither stable auxotrophic markers in recipient cells nor defined synthetic media are needed when multicopy vector YFRp1, containing the yeast SFA gene, is employed for yeast transformation. The SFA gene gives stability to the vector and its yeast (and other) passenger genes when transformants are propagated in complex media supplemented with 3–5 mM-FA. Use of inexpensive FA and non-synthetic, undefined media will lower the cost of yeast transformant propagation considerably and thus make feasible large-volume industrial application of transformants containing YFRp1 derivatives.     

MET15 as a visual selection marker for Candida albicans

To develop better molecular genetic tools for the diploid yeast Candida albicans, the suitability of the MET15 gene as a visual selection marker was studied. Both MET15 alleles of C. albicans CAI-4 were isolated by functional complementation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain lacking the MET15 gene. Growth of this complemented strain on Pb(2+)-containing medium was associated with a colour shift of brown into white colonies. The MET15 alleles of C. albicans were located on chromosome 4 by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and Southern blotting. A met15-deficient strain of C. albicans CAI-4 was generated using the ura blaster technique. This strain showed a brown colony colour on Pb(2+)-containing medium, which corresponded with the colony colour of a S. cerevisiae strain lacking the MET15 gene. Unexpectedly, the met15-deficient strain of C. albicans still grew on methionine-depleted medium. However, this growth was severely delayed. In addition, complementation of this strain with an integrative or replicative plasmid containing either of the MET15 alleles resulted in the formation of white transformants on Pb(2+)-containing medium. These transformants grew very well on methionine-depleted medium. Colony sectoring was obtained with the replicative plasmid and not with the integrative one. This study demonstrates that the MET15 gene of C. albicans is suitable as a visual marker and therefore can be used to identify transformants and study plasmid stability. GenBank Accession Nos for MET15 nucleotide sequences are AF188273, AF188274 and AF188275.     

The 5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide-carboxylase structural gene of the methylotrophic yeast Pichia methanolica: Cloning,sequencing and homology analysis

The ADE1 gene of the yeast Pichia methanolica encodes phosphoribosyl-5-aminoimidazole-carboxylase (AIRC, EC 4.1.1.21), which is involved in purine biosynthesis. The gene was cloned by complementation of an ade2 mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a 3077 nucleotide DNA fragment was sequenced. The sequence possessed a single open reading frame, corresponding to a 543 amino acid sequence. The sequence of this putative protein has been compared to the proteins of homologous genes from S. cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Escherichia coli, chicken and man. The analysis revealed remarkable homology between yeast AIRCs, while for other proteins homology was limited to defined regions.     

Analysis of the expression and secretion of the Candida tsukubaensis alpha-glucosidase gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The alpha-glucosidase gene of Candida tsukubaensis is contained within a 3.47 kb BamH1-Mlul fragment which, when introduced into Saccharomyces cerevisiae AH22 on a yeast-Escherichia coli shuttle vector, allows the transformants to utilize maltose as sole carbon source. Thus, the cloned gene confers a dominant selectable phenotype on transformed strains of S. cerevisiae which are otherwise unable to grow in nutrient media containing maltose, dextrin or other alpha-1.4-linked alpha-D-glucopyranosides, specifically hydrolysed by the alpha-glucosidase. The cloned enzyme expressed in yeast is secreted into the extracellular medium in a glycosylated form which accounts for up to 60% of the secreted protein and has a molecular size of 70-80 kilodalton (kDa). Deglycosylation of the alpha-glucosidase showed that the enzyme is composed of two distinct polypeptides with subunit molecular weights of 63-65 kDa (peptide 1) and 50-52 kDa (peptide 2). An increase in the level of expression of the alpha-glucosidase by yeast transformants in selective minimal medium was obtained by using a vector with increased copy number containing the leu2-d gene as selectable marker. The alpha-glucosidase gene promoter functions more effectively than the Gall-10 promoter in directing alpha-glucosidase expression in S. cerevisiae. It also directs the expression of high levels of beta-galactosidase activity in yeast when fused to a promoterless E. coli lacZ gene. Expression of the alpha-glucosidase gene under the control of its own promoter is constitutive, orientation dependent and not subject to catabolite repression.     

A high-efficiency method to replace essential genes with mutant alleles in yeast

Temperature-sensitive (TS), internally deleted and truncated alleles are important tools to facilitate the characterization of essential genes. We have developed a straightforward method to replace a wild-type gene with a mutant allele at the endogenous locus. This method is an efficient alternative to the two-step method for integration of alleles that are compromised in function or contain multiple mutations. A strain is constructed that has the essential gene of interest disrupted by a selectable marker. Strain viability is maintained by a plasmid carrying a copy of the essential wild-type gene and the ADE3 gene. The mutant allele is cloned into an integratable vector carrying a selectable/counter-selectable marker, such as URA3. The plasmid is linearized and transformed, directing integration to the 5' or 3' region flanking the essential open reading frame (ORF). Transformants that have integrated the mutant gene at the endogenous locus can lose the autonomous plasmid carrying the wild-type copy of the essential gene and the ADE3 gene. These transformants are identifiable as white sectoring colonies, display the mutant phenotype and may be characterized. An optional second selection step on 5-fluoroorotic acid (5-FOA) selects for popouts of the integrating vector sequences, leaves the mutant allele at the endogenous locus, and recycles selectable markers. We have used this method to integrate a TS allele of SPC110 that could not be integrated by standard methods.     

热带假丝酵母ctfat1p基因在吸收脂肪族化合物中的功能研究

以热带假丝酵母(Candida tropicalis)1798中的ctfat1p基因为研究对象,利用重叠PCR将ctfat1p基因内约500 bp片段与G418抗性基因(kanr)相连接,经末端单酶切后电转化至C. tropicalis 1798感受态细胞中,通过一次同源单交换,将抗性基因kanr插入至ctfat1p基因内部,实现目的基因的敲除,并通过发酵实验分析Ctfat1p在热带假丝酵母脂肪酸跨膜转运过程中的功能。结果表明,经过G418抗性筛选和基因组PCR鉴定,成功获得ctfat1p基因缺失菌株C. tropicalis 1798 Δctfat1p;分析发现ctfat1p基因敲除对C. tropicalis 1798以油脂为底物培养12 h后重组菌OD600 nm值仅为野生型菌株的47.9%,表明ctfat1p基因敲除后影响C. tropicalis 1798对油脂吸收利用。通过基因敲除手段构建ctfat1p基因缺失菌株,可以减弱细胞对长链脂肪酸的摄取,验证了ctfat1p基因为热带假丝酵母油脂吸收和利用的关键基因。     

Cloning and heterologous expression of the NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase genes from an industrial dicarboxylic acid-producing Candida tropicalis

NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR) catalyses the transfer of electrons during P450-mediated oxidation, which plays an important role in the omega-oxidation pathway of Candida tropicalis. Two putative allelic genes, CPR-a and CPR-b, were cloned from the long chain dicarboxylic acid-producing Candida tropicalis 1230, using cassette PCR methods. Both the identified open reading frames predict the gene products of 679 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequences of CPR-a and CPR-b are highly homologous to CPR genes from C. tropicalis ATCC 750 and Candida maltosa. Both genes were individually expressed in a cpr mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with high CPR activities, in which only a small distinction was observed between recombinant CPR-a and CPR-b. Both CPR-a and CPR-b contain one CTG codon, which codes for serine (amino acid 50) in C. tropicalis rather than universal leucine. A mutated cDNA of CPR-a with a TCG codon instead of CTG codon was constructed and expressed, resulting in little increase in CPR activity. This indicates that the alteration of Ser-50 has little effect on functional expression of CPR. Furthermore, high ketoconazole sensitivity for the cpr mutant was complemented by heterologous expression of the cloned CPR-a or CPR-b.     

Pichia stipitis木糖醇脱氢酶基因XYL2在酿酒酵母中的表达

通过PCR方法克隆得到树干毕赤氏酵母木糖醇脱氢酶(XDH)基因XYL2.将该基因连入酵母表达载体pYX212的强启动子磷酸丙糖异构酶(TPI)启动子下,得到融合表达载体pYX-XYL2.通过电转化方法将pYX-XYL2转入酿酒酵母Saccharomyces cerevisiae W303-1A中,酶活测定表明在酿酒酵母中树干毕赤氏酵母木糖醇脱氢酶基因XYL2得到活性表达,酿酒酵母转化子粗酶液中木糖醇脱氢酶比活为每毫克蛋白0.6 U左右,约为供体菌的2.4倍.与基因供体菌不同,木糖醇脱氢酶基因在酿酒酵母中表达不需木糖诱导,为组成型表达.