Biosynthesis of fatty acids and biosurfactants by the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica with emphasis on metabolic networks and bioinformatics

Abstract

: Yarrowia lipolytica is a haploid, aerobic, and non-pathogenic yeast with biotechnological importance due to its lipolytic and proteolytic properties. It is capable of producing lipases, biosurfactants, long chain fatty acids, and also metabolizing different types of carbon sources such as hydrocarbons. Besides, Y. lipolytica also receives attention due to its ability to produce organic acids. In this review, we explore its metabolic abilities to produce fatty acids for the fine chemical industry (fatty acid-derived bio-based compounds) and also biosurfactants, important for the food and pharmaceutical industries and bioremediation. With the accelerated advance of ‘omics’ technologies, e.g., genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, genetic and metabolic engineering, combined with bioinformatics, substantial data are increasingly available, allowing to optimize biotechnological applications of this microorganism. Thus, this review covers the biosynthesis of fatty acids and biosurfactants by Y. lipolytica, exploring the current knowledge of how this yeast regulates the biosynthesis and accumulation of these compounds and the role of cutting-edge technologies in understanding and engineering its metabolism. Topics to be addressed in this review include the channeling of different carbon sources into lipid metabolism, the role of nitrogen and other growth factors in the metabolism of target compounds, besides fatty acid transport, regulatory networks, and the computational models available for metabolic engineering Y. lipolytica.