Squalene epoxidase as a target for manipulation of squalene levels in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae

• DOI: 10.1111/1567-1364.12107
• Publication Date: 2013-10-12T02:24:20Z
• Authors: Martina Garaiová; Veronika Zambojová; Zuzana Šimová; Peter Griač; Ivan Hapala
• Keywords: Squalene monooxygenase; Squalene; Ergosterol; Terbinafine

Squalene is a valuable natural substance with several biotechnological applications. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it produced in isoprenoid pathway as first precursor dedicated to ergosterol biosynthesis. The aim of this study was explore potential squalene epoxidase encoded by ERG1 gene target for manipulating levels yeast. Highest (over 1000 μg per 109 cells) were induced specific point mutations that reduced activity and caused hypersensitivity terbinafine. This accumulation erg1 mutants did not significantly disturb their growth. Treatment inhibitor terbinafine revealed limit at 700 cells which associated pronounced growth defects. Inhibition anaerobiosis or heme deficiency resulted relatively low levels. These increased depletion anaerobic indicated feedback inhibition production ergosterol. Accumulation terbinafine-treated cellular content aggregation lipid droplets. Our results prove targeted genetic manipulation promising tool increasing