Enhanced α-ketoglutarate production in Yarrowia lipolytica WSH-Z06 by alteration of the acetyl-CoA metabolism

► The level of acetyl-CoA was increased significantly by overexpressing the ACS1 and ACL gene in Yarrowia lipolytica WSH-Z06. ► Alteration of acetyl-CoA metabolism redistributed the carbon flux from pyruvate to α-ketoglutarate in Y. lipolytica WSH-Z06. ► Increasing the level of acetyl-CoA enhanced α-ketoglutarate production and reduced pyruvate accumulation in Y. lipolytica WSH-Z06.