Selection of Saccharomyces bayanus Strains with High Pectinolytic Activity and Phylogenetic Analysis of PGU Genes.

For the first time, a large-scale screening has been carried out of pectinolytic activity in Saccharomyces bayanus strains isolated in various regions of the world from fermentation processes and natural sources. The ability to secrete active endo-polygalacturonase was shown to be a feature of this species. Regardless of the source and place of isolation, S. bayanus var. uvarum, S. bayanus var. bayanus and S. eubayanus have the PGU1bPGU2bPGU3b genotype. According to phylogenetic analysis, the pectinase genes (PGU) of the hybrid brewer's yeast S. pastorianus are originated from the cryophilic S. bayanus yeast and not from S. cerevisiae. Five selected S. bayanus strains with the highest pectinolytic activity are promising for further molecular genetic studies and breeding of wine yeasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]