Kinetic modeling and sensitivity analysis for higher ethanol production in self-cloning xylose-using Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We constructed a xylose-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain using endogenous xylose-assimilating genes (strain K7-XYL). Such self-cloning yeast is expected to make a great contribution to cost reduction of ethanol production processes. However, it is difficult to modify self-cloning yeast for optimal performance because the available gene source is limited.

Xylose fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae using endogenous xylose-assimilating genes.

Objectives: To genetically engineer Saccharomyces cerevisiae for improved ethanol productivity from glucose/xylose mixtures.

Results: An endogenous gene cassette composed of aldose reductase (GRE3), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SOR1) and xylulose kinase (XKS1) with a PGK1 promoter and a terminator was introduced into two S. cerevisiae strains, a laboratory strain (CEN.