Enhanced β-carotene production by overexpressing the DID2 gene, a subunit of ESCRT complex, in engineered Yarrowia lipolytica

Objective beta-Carotene has been widely used in the food and feed industry and has significant commercial value. This study aimed to increase the beta-carotene production in engineered Yarrowia lipolytica by optimizing the host metabolic network. The DID2 gene, a subunit of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT), was integrated into a beta-carotene producing strain. Results The beta-carotene production was increased by 260%, and the biomass increased by 10% for engineered Y. lipolytica. Meanwhile, DID2 elevated the mRNA level and protein level of the genes in the beta-carotene synthesis pathway, then increased precursors (FPP, Lycopene) utilization. DID2 also increased the mRNA level of the genes in the glucose pathway, pentose phosphate pathway, and tricarboxylic acid cycle and promoted glucose utilization and cofactors consumption. Conclusion The ESCRT protein complex subunit, DID2, improved beta-carotene production in engineered Y. lipolytica and beneficial to glucose utilization and cofactors consumption. This study provided new finding of the DID2 gene's function and it mostly could be used for many other natural product productions.

Automated summary

The integration of the DID2 gene significantly increased beta-carotene production and enhanced precursor utilization in engineered Y. lipolytica. Additionally, it improved glucose utilization and cofactor consumption, thereby providing new insights into gene function and potential applications in other natural product productions.