Outlines for the definition of halotolerance/halophily in yeasts: Candida versatilis (halophila) CBS4019 as the archetype?

Abstract

Candida versatilis (halophila) CBS4019 was chosen to study the physiological reactions of long-term exposure to extremely high salt concentrations. In general, our results show a significant increase in enzyme expression during growth under stress conditions. Although glycerol and mannitol pathways are not under glucose repression, they were found to be metabolically regulated. Glycerol-3P-dehydrogenase used either of its cofactors NADPH or NADH, being in favor of NADPH during growth with high salt concentrations. This ability of interchanging cofactors, an increased fermentation rate, and the observed mannitol pathway activity are suggested to contribute to the yeasts' redox stability. Enzymes per se were not salt-tolerant in vitro. Consistently, intracellular sodium was low and intracellular potassium, a requirement for growth, was high. The concept of halophily and its applicability to yeasts is discussed.