Polyomic analyses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from Brazilian Biomes: new insights into biodiversity and industrial applications

Abstract

This project proposal for a BEPE scholarship aims at analyzing fourteen new Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates, together with known strains used in the laboratory and in different industrial applications (fuel ethanol and baker's yeast). The methods to be used include: genome sequencing, transcriptome analysis (using RNA-seq technology) and metabolite profiling. All strains will be cultivated under standard laboratory conditions and under stress conditions typically found in the first- and second-generation fuel ethanol industrial environments (low pH, ethanol, temperature and acetic acid stresses). It is hoped that the results to be obtained will contribute to two important aspects of yeast research: 1) an ecological aspect, since in spite of its broad application in different industrial processes, the natural habitat of S. cerevisiae is not yet well characterized; and 2) an applied aspect, since some of the new isolates might present traits that are relevant for industrial applications. These traits can be mapped, in terms of the genotype-phenotype relationship and the knowledge gained could eventually lead to future metabolic engineering accomplishments. The genomic data gathered can also shed light on the origin of the current industrial strains found in the non-aseptic fermentation vats used in Brazil for fuel ethanol production. (AU)