ARS | Publication request: Mechanisms of tolerance and in situ detoxification of biomass conversion inhibitors by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: October 24, 2008
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Several groups of chemical compounds including aldehydes, ketones, phenols, and organic acids are inhibitory to microbial growth and fermentation. The variety of inhibitors and effects of inhibition on fermentative microbes vary upon divergent sources of biomass and pretreatment methods. Overcoming inhibitor complexes present in toxic biomass hydrolyzates poses a significant challenge; and development of tolerant stains is key for cost competitive and sustainable lignocellulosic biomass conversion to biofuels. Understanding of inhibitor conversion pathways and mechanisms of detoxification will aid efficient and more tolerant strain development. Based on genomics and pathway-based studies, this presentation will provide a comprehensive review of major inhibitor conversion pathways, such as furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, yeast transcriptome profiling response, mechanisms of in situ detoxification, and metabolic conversion pathways under the inhibitor stress conditions. Multiple enzyme involvement and complex gene regulatory networks will be addressed as observed in a tolerant strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Future approaches and directions for more tolerant strain development will be discussed.