Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2023, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (7): 67-79.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2022-1426

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Advances in Genomic Studies and Metabolic Engineering of Red Yeasts

LI Yu-zhen1(), MEI Tian-xiu1, LI Zhi-wen1, WANG Qi1, LI Jun2, ZOU Yue2, ZHAO Xin-qing1()   

  1. 1. State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240
    2. JALA Group. Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200233
  • Received:2022-11-18 Online:2023-07-26 Published:2023-08-17
  • Contact: ZHAO Xin-qing E-mail:Lyz781601267@sjtu.edu.cn;xqzhao@sjtu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Red yeast is a general term for a class of red pigment-producing yeast, and they are widely distributed in various ecological environments such as soil, sea, rivers and lakes. Red yeasts have the ability to produce polysaccharides, oils, carotenoids and other active substances and thus own great potential for applications in agriculture, food, medicine and cosmetics. In recent years, studies on red yeast including their applications, genome sequencing and key metabolic enzymes have expanded the in-depth knowledge of this important group of yeast. In addition, progress has been made in genome editing and metabolic engineering modification of these yeasts, providing basis for developing more efficient red yeast strains for industrial applications. Here, we review the applications of red yeast and related research advances in genomic studies and metabolic engineering. This review would be helpful for better understanding the physiology and metabolic features of red yeast, as well as utilization of renewable biomass for sustainable bioproduction using red yeast.

Key words: red yeast, bioactive substances, genome, metabolic engineering, biotechnology applications