Yarrowia lipolytica, health benefits for animals

Modulation of cell migration and cell tracking of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) SAF-1 cells by probiotics

Cell migration is an essential process in immunity and wound healing. The in vitro scratch assay was optimized for the SAF-1 cell line, obtained from gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fin. In addition, selected cells from the cell front were tracked for detailed individual cell movement and morphological analysis. Modulation of migration and cell tracking of the SAF-1 cell line by probiotics was evaluated. Cells were cultured and incubated for 24 h with three species of extremophilic yeasts [Yarrowia lipolytica (D1 and N6) and Debaryomyces hansenii (CBS004)] and the bacterium Shewanella putrefaciens (known as SpPdp11) and then scratch and cell tracking assays were performed. The results indicated that the forward velocity was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in SAF-1 cells incubated with CBS004 or SpPdp11. However, cell velocity, cumulative distance and Euclidean distance were only significantly increased in SAF-1 cells incubated with SpPdp11. Furthermore, to increase our understanding of the genes involved in cell movement, the expression profile of ten structural proteins (α-1β tubulin, vinculin, focal adhesion kinase type, alpha-2 integrin, tetraspanin, integrin-linked kinase 1, tensin 3, tensin 4, paxillin, and light chain 2) was studied by real time-PCR. The expression of these genes was modulated as a function of the probiotic tested and the results indicate that CBS004 and SpPdp11 increase the movement of SAF-1 cells.

Mutation in yl-HOG1 represses the filament-to-yeast transition in the dimorphic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica

BACKGROUND

Yarrowia lipolytica is a dimorphic fungus, which switches from yeast to filament form in response to environmental conditions. For industrial purposes it is important to lock cells in the yeast or filamentous form depending on the fermentation process. yl-Hog1 kinase is a key component of the HOG signaling pathway, responsible for activating the osmotic stress response. Additionally, deletion of yl-Hog1 leads to increased filamentation in Yarrowia lipolytica, but causes significant sensitivity to osmotic stress induced by a high concentration of a carbon source.

RESULTS

In this study, we tested the effect of point mutations on the function of yl-Hog1 protein kinase. The targets of modification were the phosphorylation sites (T171A-Y173A) and the active center (K49R). Introduction of the variant HOG1-49 into the hog1∆ strain partially improved growth under osmotic stress, but did not recover the yeast-like shape of the cells. The HOG1-171/173 variant was not functional, and its introduction further weakened the growth of hog1∆ strains in hyperosmotic conditions. To verify a genetic modification in filament form, we developed a new system based on green fluorescent protein (GFP) for easier screening of proper mutants.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide new insights into the functions of yl-Hog1 protein in dimorphic transition and constitute a good starting point for further genetic modification of Y. lipolytica in filament form.

Bioconversion of food waste to crayfish feed using solid-state fermentation with yeast

In order to realize the value-added utilization of food waste (FW), the preparation of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) feed by yeast fermentation was investigated. Firstly, the suitable fermentation condition was obtained through a single factor experiment as follows: the initial moisture of the FW was adjusted to 60% with bran and inoculated with a 2% yeast mixture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida utilis, and Yarrowia lipolytica, 3:2:1) followed by aerobic solid-state fermentation for 7 days. The crude protein and acid-soluble protein contents in the fermented feed were 25.14% and 5.16%, which were increased by 8% and 140.67%, respectively. The crude fat content was 0.74%, decreased by 68.29%. The content of antioxidant glutathione (571.78 μg/g) increased 63.33%, and the activities of protease and amylase increased nearly 9 and 3 times, respectively. The maximum degradation rates of aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, and deoxynivalenol were 63.83%, 77.52%, and 80.16%, respectively. The fermented feeds were evaluated by substituting (0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, and 100%) commercial diet for crayfish (30-day culture period). When the replacement proportion was 30%, the weight gain of crayfish reached 44.87% (initial body weight 13.98 ± 0.41 g), which was significantly increased by 10.25% compared with the control (p = 0.0005). In addition, the lysozyme and SOD enzyme activities in crayfish hepatopancreas were also increased significantly. Our findings suggest that yeast-fermented feed from FW can replace 30% of crayfish's conventional diet, which may improve crayfish's antioxidant capacity and enhance non-specific immunity by providing molecules such as glutathione.

Combined administration routes of marine yeasts enhanced immune-related genes and protection of white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Antibiotic usage to control infectious diseases in shrimp aquaculture has led to serious problems on antimicrobial resistance. An alternative to mitigate this issue is the use of probiotics, which can be easily administered by feed and water. This study examines immunomodulatory and protective effects of the marine yeasts Debaryomyces hansenii CBS8339 (Dh) and Yarrowia lipolytica Yl-N6 (Yl) -alone and mixed-in white shrimp Penaeus vannamei post-larvae. Administration routes (fed and water alone or in combination), supplementation frequency and time elapsed after the last dietary supplement were tested on growth and gene expression of penaeidin, lectin, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, as well as survival upon Vibrio parahaemolyticus IPNGS16 challenge. Penaeidin and lectin genes were upregulated in post-larvae fed orally with Yl or combined Dh + Yl. Higher growth and survival for yeast supplementation treatments were observed compared to the control group, mainly when yeasts (Dh + Yl) and administration routes (feed and water) were combined. In conclusion, mixed yeast and combined administration routes improved growth and immunity against V. parahaemolyticus.

Yarrowia lipolytica as an Alternative and Valuable Source of Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds for Humans

Yarrowia lipolytica, an oleagineous species of yeast, is a carrier of various important nutrients. The biomass of this yeast is an extensive source of protein, exogenous amino acids, bioavailable essenctial trace minerals, and lipid compounds as mainly unsaturated fatty acids. The biomass also contains B vitamins, including vitamin B12, and many other bioactive components. Therefore, Y. lipolytica biomass can be used in food supplements for humans as safe and nutritional additives for maintaining the homeostasis of the organism, including for vegans and vegetarians, athletes, people after recovery, and people at risk of B vitamin deficiencies.