Genetic resources of extremotolerant fungi: A method for identification of genes conferring stress tolerance

► Extremotolerant fungi are an underexploited source of stress tolerance genes. ► We describe a functional screening method for identification of such genes. ► Twelve new genes from yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa were identified with this method. ► Described genes increase the salt tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ► Such genes may increase the productivity in bioethanol production or agriculture.