Optimization of Yarrowia lipolytica’s β-oxidation pathway for γ-decalactone production

The yeast Yarrowia lipolytica growing on methyl ricinoleate produces various lactones, γ-decalactone, the worthy aroma compound, 3-hydroxy-γ-decalactone without sensorial properties and two decenolides of various interest. Unfortunately, these three latter lactones are produced at high levels by this yeast, decreasing yields and complicating the extraction of γ-decalactone. In this study, the production of γ-decalactone was increased through a genetic engineering of the strain and the accumulation of the three other lactones was lowered. Theses results show that it is possible to improve the mastering of the complex β-oxidation pathway (the metabolic pathway involved in these bioconversions) by playing on genetic factors.