A single Gal4-like transcription factor activates the Crabtree effect in Komagataella phaffii

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07430-4
• Publication Date: 2018-11-15T15:56:12Z
• Authors: Özge Ata; Corinna Rebnegger; Nadine E. Tatto; Minoska Valli; Teresa Mairinger; Stephan Hann; Matthias G. Steiger; Pınar Çalık; Diethard Mattanovich
• Keywords: Transcription

Abstract The Crabtree phenotype defines whether a yeast can perform simultaneous respiration and fermentation under aerobic conditions at high growth rates. It provides positive yeasts an evolutionary advantage of consuming glucose faster producing ethanol to outcompete other microorganisms in sugar rich environments. While number genetic events are associated with the emergence effect, its evolution remains unresolved. Here we show that overexpression single Gal4-like transcription factor is sufficient convert Crabtree-negative Komagataella phaffii ( Pichia pastoris) into yeast. Upregulation glycolytic genes significant increase uptake rate due leads overflow metabolism, triggering both short-term long-term phenotypes. This indicates perturbation leading one gene may have been as first molecular event towards respiro-fermentative metabolism course evolution.