Genetic resources of extremotolerant fungi: A method for identification of genes conferring stress tolerance

Fungal species from extreme environments represent an underexploited source of stress-resistance genes. These genes have the potential to improve stress tolerance of economically important microorganisms and crops. An efficient high-throughput method for the identification of biotechnologically inte...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bioresource technology 2012-05, Vol.111, p.360-367
Main Authors: Gostinčar, Cene, Gunde-Cimerman, Nina, Turk, Martina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Physiological
Base Sequence
cDNA libraries
complementary DNA
Crops
DNA Primers
Economics
Escherichia coli - genetics
Fungi
Genes
Genes, Fungal
Genetics
Microorganisms
Rhodotorula - genetics
Rhodotorula - physiology
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
Rhodotorula rubra
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Saccharomyces cerevisiae - genetics
salt tolerance
stress tolerance
Stress, Physiological
Stresses
Tolerances
transgenic plants
yeasts
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Summary:Fungal species from extreme environments represent an underexploited source of stress-resistance genes. These genes have the potential to improve stress tolerance of economically important microorganisms and crops. An efficient high-throughput method for the identification of biotechnologically interesting genes of extremotolerant fungi was developed by constructing a cDNA expression library in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and screening for gain-of-function transformants under stress conditions. The advantages and possible modifications of this method are discussed, and its efficiency is demonstrated using the stress-tolerant basidiomycetous yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Twelve R. mucilaginosa genes are described that increase halotolerance in S. cerevisiae. These include genes encoding a phosphoglucomutase and a phosphomannomutase. All 12 investigated genes might be useful for the improvement of halotolerance in genetically modified crops or industrial microorganisms.
ISSN:0960-8524
1873-2976
DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2012.02.039