Recent Advances in Directed Yeast Genome Evolution

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) fungus, has become one of the most widely used chassis cells for industrial applications and basic research. However, owing to its complex genetic background and intertwined metabolic networks, there are still many obstacles that need to be overcome in order to improve desired traits and to successfully link genotypes to phenotypes. In this context, genome editing and evolutionary technology have rapidly progressed over the last few decades to facilitate the rapid generation of tailor-made properties as well as for the precise determination of relevant gene targets that regulate physiological functions, including stress resistance, metabolic-pathway optimization and organismal adaptation. Directed genome evolution has emerged as a versatile tool to enable researchers to access desired traits and to study increasingly complicated phenomena. Here, the development of directed genome evolutions in S. cerevisiae is reviewed, with a focus on different techniques driving evolutionary engineering.

Automated summary

As a safe fungus widely used in industrial applications and basic research, Saccharomyces cerevisiae still faces challenges in improving desired traits and linking genotypes to phenotypes. Genome editing and evolutionary technology have rapidly developed to facilitate the generation of tailor-made properties and the determination of gene targets. Directed genome evolution has emerged as a versatile tool for accessing desired traits and studying complex phenomena.