Comparative genomics: a revolutionary tool for wine yeast strain development

The application of Next Generation sequencing to comparative genomics is enabling in-depth characterization of genetic variation between wine yeast strains used in fermentation starter cultures. Knowledge from this work will be harnessed in strain development programs. As a result, winemakers will soon have at their disposal novel, improved yeast starter cultures displaying increased reliability and providing a means of tailoring wine sensory characteristics for new and ever-changing markets.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (99 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Phylogeny of Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals industry-relevant groupings. ► Comparative genomics reveals genomic variation across industrial yeast strains. ► Next-gen sequencing in next-gen wine yeast strain development. ► Precise mapping of QTLs for marker-assisted breeding of industrial yeast. ► Discovery of putative mobile gene cluster that uses novel type of transposition.