Transformation of Escherichia coli with DNA from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell lysates

A multifunctional system for genome editing and large-scale interspecies gene transfer

CRISPR SWAPnDROP extends the limits of genome editing to large-scale in-vivo DNA transfer between bacterial species. Its modular platform approach facilitates species specific adaptation to confer genome editing in various species. In this study, we show the implementation of the CRISPR SWAPnDROP concept for the model organism Escherichia coli, the fast growing Vibrio natriegens and the plant pathogen Dickeya dadantii. We demonstrate the excision, transfer and integration of large chromosomal regions between E. coli, V. natriegens and D. dadantii without size-limiting intermediate DNA extraction. CRISPR SWAPnDROP also provides common genome editing approaches comprising scarless, marker-free, iterative and parallel insertions and deletions. The modular character facilitates DNA library applications, and recycling of standardized parts. Its multi-color scarless co-selection system significantly improves editing efficiency and provides visual quality controls throughout the assembly and editing process.

Regulation of CLB6 expression by the cytoplasmic deadenylase Ccr4 through its coding and 3’ UTR regions

RNA stability control contributes to the proper expression of gene products. Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in eukaryotic cells possess a 5’ cap structure and the 3’ poly(A) tail which are important for mRNA stability and efficient translation. The Ccr4-Not complex is a major cytoplasmic deadenylase and functions in mRNA degradation. The CLB1-6 genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae encode B-type cyclins which are involved in the cell cycle progression together with the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc28. The CLB genes consist of CLB1/2, CLB3/4, and CLB5/6 whose gene products accumulate at the G2-M, S-G2, and late G1 phase, respectively. These Clb protein levels are thought to be mainly regulated by the transcriptional control and the protein stability control. Here we investigated regulation of CLB1-6 expression by Ccr4. Our results show that all CLB1-6 mRNA levels were significantly increased in the ccr4Δ mutant compared to those in wild-type cells. Clb1, Clb4, and Clb6 protein levels were slightly increased in the ccr4Δ mutant, but the Clb2, Clb3, and Clb5 protein levels were similar to those in wild-type cells. Since both CLB6 mRNA and Clb6 protein levels were most significantly increased in the ccr4Δ mutant, we further analyzed the cis-elements for the Ccr4-mediated regulation within CLB6 mRNA. We found that there were destabilizing sequences in both coding sequence and 3’ untranslated region (3’ UTR). The destabilizing sequences in the coding region were found to be both within and outside the sequences corresponding the cyclin domain. The CLB6 3’ UTR was sufficient for mRNA destabilization and decrease of the reporter GFP gene and this destabilization involved Ccr4. Our results suggest that CLB6 expression is regulated by Ccr4 through the coding sequence and 3’ UTR of CLB6 mRNA.

Construction of integrative plasmids suitable for genetic modification of industrial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The development of efficient tools for genetic modification of industrial yeast strains is one of the challenges that face the use of recombinant cells in industrial processes. In this study, we examine how the construction of two complementary integrative vectors can fulfill the major requirements of industrial recombinant yeast strains: the use of lactose assimilation genes as a food-grade yeast selection marker, and a system of integration that does not leave hazardous genes in the host genome and involves minimal interference in the yeast physiology. The pFB plasmid set was constructed to co-integrate both LAC4-based and LAC12-based cassettes into the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus to allow yeast cells to be selected in lactose medium. This phenotype can also be used to trace the recombinant cells in the environment by simply being plated on X-gal medium. The excisable trait of the LAC12 marker allows the introduction of many different heterologous genes, and makes it possible to introduce a complete heterologous metabolic pathway. The cloned heterologous genes can be highly expressed under the strong and constitutive TPI1 gene promoter, which can be exchanged for easy digestion of enzymes if necessary. This platform was introduced into Saccharomyces cerevisiae JP1 industrial strain where a recombinant with high stability of markers was produced without any change in the yeast physiology. Thus, it proved to be an efficient tool for the genetic modification of industrial strains.

Genetically modified industrial yeast ready for application

Tremendous progress in the genetic engineering of yeast had been achieved at the end of 20th century, including the complete genome sequence, genome-wide gene expression profiling, and whole gene disruption strains. Nevertheless, genetically modified (GM) baking, brewing, wine, and sake yeasts have not, as yet, been used commercially, although numerous industrial recombinant yeasts have been constructed. The recent progress of genetic engineering for the construction of GM yeast is reviewed and possible requirements for their application are discussed. 'Self-cloning' yeast will be the most likely candidate for the first commercial application of GM microorganisms in food and beverage industries.