Screening of Key Genes Responsible for Ethanol Fermentation in Xylose-Metabolizing Yeast Strains

Based on comparison analysis of transcriptome sequencing data, potential genes responsible for xylose fermentation to ethanol were screened and chosen from two model yeast strains of Candida tropicalis and Candida shehatae. Thereafter, key genes were indentified from these candidate genes by the combined method of quantitative real-time PCR detection and metabolism pathway analysis. These genes regulatory mechanism on sugar metabolic pathway were further investigated and illustrated. Four key genes responsible for xylose fermentation to ethanol are determined and confirmed finally as follows: xylose reductase, xylitol dehydrogenase, high-affinity glucose transportor and pyruvate kinase.