Metabolic engineering of Pichia pastoris for enhanced flux towards Squalene production

Metabolic engineering of Pichia pastoris for enhanced flux towards Squalene production

The linear polyunsaturated triterpene squalene, exists in all organisms and has immense applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. New applications of squalene as an enhancer are ever increasing ensuing in its growing demand. Development of a Pichia model with accelerated Farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) precursor flux towards squalene and reduced squalene drain towards ergosterol is being studied. Lipid droplets provide extra space for accumulation of squalene in cytoplasm. Over-expression of pathway genes and lipid biogenesis, enhancement in squalene production is targeted.

  • Research Area :Microbial Processes and Technology