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Scientists uncover key mechanism in evolution: Whole-genome duplication drives long-term adaptation

Researchers discovered that whole-genome duplication persists for thousands of generations due to its advantage in growing larger cells and forming bigger clusters, leading to the development of multicellularity. The study provides new insights into how genome duplication contributes to biological complexity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

NIH researchers discover new gene involved in a toxic competition among yeast

Researchers at NIH's National Human Genome Research Institute identified a gene, KTD1, that provides resistance to the K28 toxin in yeast. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying toxin resistance and has implications for understanding human toxin resistance.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Bioproduction Breakthrough: New method for developing Pichia pastoris yeast strains with high productivity of useful proteins

Researchers at Kobe University have successfully identified and disrupted genes in Pichia pastoris yeast to increase its secretory production of useful proteins. Through a series of processes, they developed new host strains that can produce high yields of proteins for industrial enzymes and biomedical antibodies.

SourceKobe University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022

Hi-CO unravels the complex packing of nucleosomes

The Hi-CO technology provides high-resolution genome structural analyses combined with large-scale simulations, showing the arrangements of the genome's spool-like structures affect gene expression. Nucleosome folding influences the inner workings of genes, impacting accessibility of molecules to DNA.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Protocols·DateJun 1, 2021

Yeast epigenome map reveals details of gene regulation

A high-resolution protein architecture of the budding yeast genome was mapped using ChIP-exo, revealing two distinct gene regulatory architectures. The study identifies a surprisingly small number of unique protein assemblages used repeatedly across the yeast genome, expanding the traditional model of gene regulation.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2021

Evolution's game of rock-paper-scissors

Researchers identified a nontransitive evolutionary sequence in a 1,000-generation yeast experiment. The study found that an evolved clone outcompetes its recent ancestor but loses to a distant ancestor due to multilevel selection acting on both the yeast nuclear genome and an intracellular RNA virus.

Life in evolution's fast lane

Scientists discovered a lineage of budding yeasts that has lost dozens of genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle processes. These gene losses result in the yeast's genomes changing rapidly, leading to unique biological characteristics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 21, 2019

Exploiting parasitic yeast to kill yeast pathogens

Researchers discovered a parasitic yeast species that can kill emerging multi-drug resistant yeast pathogen Candida auris. The study identified genes and proteins involved in the predatory behavior of Saccharomycopsis schoenii, which could lead to new biocontrol agents or novel antifungal agents.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 9, 2019

New CRISPR technology 'knocks out' yeast genes with single-point precision

Researchers have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 technology that enables precise editing of any gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by deleting single nucleotide changes. This allows for individual gene studies and optimization of genome engineering, potentially increasing productivity in industries such as ethanol production.

Nicking in new nucleotides

A Kyoto University team developed a genome-wide base-editing technology using the CRISPR Nickase system, which reduces inaccurate edits and improves editing accuracy. The system combines a guide RNA and Cas9 nickase to 'nick' the DNA double helix, resulting in faster generation of yeast mutants and increased precision.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 4, 2017

Researchers develop new capabilities for genome-wide engineering of yeast

Researchers have successfully integrated cutting-edge technologies to produce novel yeast strains for industrial use, as well as reveal a more sophisticated understanding of the yeast genome. The new method enables exploration of all genes in yeast, identifying previously unknown functions.

First fully artificial yeast genome has been designed

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have designed a fully synthetic yeast genome, dubbed Sc2.0, which is smaller and more customizable than the natural yeast genome. The artificial genome allows scientists to study genetic questions that are difficult to answer with natural yeast, enabling new discoveries in biotechnology.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2017

Five new artificial yeast chromosomes set stage for first synthetic eukaryotic genome

Scientists construct five new artificial yeast chromosomes, representing over one-third of yeast's entire genome, paving the way for building the first fully synthetic complex organism. The successful assembly demonstrates genetic plasticity and potential applications in gene therapy, biofuel production, and medicine.

The history of beer yeast

Researchers sequenced genomes of 157 yeast strains used in brewing and found that industrial yeast came from just a few ancestral strains. Genetic patterns revealed clues on when yeast was first domesticated and how humans shaped its development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateSep 8, 2016

Expanding the stable of workhorse yeasts

A team of researchers has sequenced the genomes of over 29 yeast species, revealing a wider diversity than expected. The study identifies new genetic pathways and enzymes that can be used to produce biofuels and other valuable products from a range of sugars.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

Lichen: Apparently happy couple really a threesome

Researchers discovered yeast living in the cortex of lichen species, suggesting a possible role in creating large structures and solving the mystery of why macrolichens are hard to grow in the lab. The study found a variety of yeast species associated with different lichen species from around the world.

SourceCIFAR·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2016

How yeast doubled its genome -- by mating between species

A new study proposes that the common baker's yeast genome was duplicated by mating between two distinct species, contradicting the current widely accepted theory. The researchers used advanced computational methods to study the origins of the whole genome duplication in yeast.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 7, 2015