PYR1 Biosensor-Driven Genome-Wide CRISPR Screens for Improved Monoterpene Production in <i>Kluyveromyces marxianus</i>.

ABSTRACT: Monoterpenes are valued for their roles as flavors, fragrances, insecticides, and energy-dense fuels. Microorganisms provide sustainable biosynthesis routes for these important molecules, but production levels remain limited. Here, we introduce a biosensor-driven microbial engineering strategy to enhance monoterpene production, specifically targeting geraniol. Using mutagenized libraries of the PYR1 receptor─a versatile biosensor from plant ABA signaling pathways with a malleable binding pocket─we screened 24 monoterpenes and identified PYR1 variants responsive to eight, including geraniol. A low background, highly selective geraniol-sensitive PYR1 variant was expressed in the thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus as a growth-based biosensor circuit, allowing for rapid strain

SUBMITTER: Robertson NR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12362604 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature