Effects of elevated expression of the CYP51 (P45014DM) gene on the sterol contents of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract Lanosterol metabolism was eleveted in yeast cells cultured both aerobically and semi-anaerobically by increased expression of lanosterol 14α-demethylase P450 (P450 14DM or CYP51). However, despite increases in the diene-intermediates of ergosterol biosynthesis, the ergosterol content was not affected. These results suggested that the levels of cellular sterols are controlled in at least tow stages, and that the concomitant elevation of P450 14DM and ergostadienols desaturase (P450 22DS ) is required to increase the cellular ergosterol content.