EUF1 – a newly identified gene involved in erythritol utilization in Yarrowia lipolytica

The gene YALI0F01562g was identified as an important factor involved in erythritol catabolism of the unconventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. Its putative role was identified for the first time by comparative analysis of four Y. lipolytica strains: A-101.1.31, Wratislavia K1, MK1 and AMM. The presence of a mutation that seriously damaged the gene corresponded to inability of the strain Wratislavia K1 to utilize erythritol. RT-PCR analysis of the strain MK1 demonstrated a significant increase in YALI0F01562g expression during growth on erythritol. Further studies involving deletion and overexpression of the selected gene showed that it is indeed essential for efficient erythritol assimilation. The deletion strain Y. lipolytica AMM∆euf1 was almost unable to grow on erythritol as the sole carbon source. When the strain was applied in the process of erythritol production from glycerol, the amount of erythritol remained constant after reaching the maximal concentration. Analysis of the YALI0F01562g gene sequence revealed the presence of domains characteristic for transcription factors. Therefore we suggest naming the studied gene Erythritol Utilization Factor – EUF1.