Glutathione metabolism in yeasts and construction of the advanced producers of this tripeptide

Abstract

Glutathione is the most abundant non-protein thiol compound of the most living organisms able to protect cells from nutritional, environmental, and oxidative stresses. Due to the antioxidative properties, glutathione is widely used as an active ingredient of drugs, food, and cosmetic products. Microbial synthesis using yeasts is currently the most common method for the commercial production of glutathione. Construction of glutathione overproducers in yeasts by metabolic engineering approaches and optimization of the technology for its production has potential to satisfy the increasing industrial demand in this tripeptide. This review summarizes the current knowledge of physiological functions and practical applications of glutathione as well as illustrates strategies for its efficient production. The potential of the methylotrophic yeast Ogataea polymorpha as a glutathione producer is also discussed.