Genomic perspective of Lachancea thermotolerans in wine bioacidification
Abstract
We have sequenced two commercial strains of Lachancea thermotolerans (Lt) from the company Lallemand: Laktia™ y Blizz™. We intend to know information about the genes that control the acidification by Lt during grape fermentation to make wine. The production of lactic acid from sugars by Lt is regulated by several genes of LDH that are variable between strains. To perform whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the strains, they were grown in Yeast Extract Peptone Dextrose for 24h at 28ºC. DNA was extracted using the Yeast DNA extraction kit (ThermoFisher Scientific). Sequencing was done with Illumina and a read size of 150 Laktia™ and Blizz™ a genome draf of 10.45M and 10.44M bp respectively were obtained. A total of 5124 genes were detact in Blizz™ and 5120 genes in Laktia™. As previously observed, both strains carry three copies of the LDH gene encoding the enzyme L-lactate dehydrogenase, which cleaves pyruvate to lactate, two in tandem and the other located in other part of the genome. The genomic data obtained in this study will be key to correlate the phenotypic characteristics of these strains with wine fermentation. Also, we are currently studying the genes involved in the production of glycerol, and fermentative aromatic compounds, especially benzenoids and thiols. The regulation of the acyl transferase enzymes in Lt influences the formation of fruity and floral esters with high impact in the sensory profile of the wine. Additionally, it has been observed positive effects of Lt fermentations in the release of aromatic thiols, we have explored the presence and regulation of β-lyase enzymes in Lt to favor the revelation of 4MMP and 3MH from CYS-4MMP and CYS-3MH.
DOI:
Publication date: September 22, 2025
Issue: 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine
Type: Oral
Authors
1 enotecUPM, Chemistry and Food Technology Dept. ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)
2 LHICA-USC, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Bromatology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC)