Saccharomyces yeast hybrids on the rise. Issue 1 (29th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bendixsen, Devin P.; Frazão, João G.; Stelkens, Rike
• Other Names: Boynton Primrose guestEditor.; Cubillos Francisco guestEditor.; Patil Kiran guestEditor.; Stefanini Irene guestEditor.; Stelkens Rike guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Yeast. Volume 39:Issue 1/2(2022)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2021-12-29
• Subjects: experimental evolution -- fermentation -- genomics -- hybridization -- reproductive isolation -- spore viability -- yeast; Yeast -- Periodicals; Yeasts -- Periodicals; Yeasts -- genetics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547
• DOI: 10.1002/yea.3684
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0749-503X

Abstract

Abstract: Saccharomyces hybrid yeasts are receiving increasing attention as a powerful model system to understand adaptation to environmental stress and speciation mechanisms, using experimental evolution and omics techniques. We compiled all genomic resources available from public repositories of the eight recognized Saccharomyces species and their interspecific hybrids. We present the newest numbers on genomes sequenced, assemblies, annotations, and sequencing runs, and an updated species phylogeny using orthogroup inference. While genomic resources are highly skewed towards Saccharomyces cerevisiae, there is a noticeable movement to use wild, recently discovered yeast species in recent years. To illustrate the degree and potential causes of reproductive isolation, we reanalyzed published data on hybrid spore viabilities across the entire genus and tested for the role of genetic, geographic, and ecological divergence within and between species (28 cross types and 371 independent crosses). Hybrid viability generally decreased with parental genetic distance likely due to antirecombination and negative epistasis, but notable exceptions emphasize the importance of strain‐specific structural variation and ploidy differences. Surprisingly, the viability of crosses within species varied widely, from near reproductive isolation to near‐perfect viability. Geographic and ecological origins of the parents predicted cross viability to an extent, but with certain caveats. Finally, we highlight publication trends in the field and point out areas of special interest, where hybrid yeasts are particularly promising for innovation through research and development, and experimental evolution and fermentation. Abstract : In this study, the authors compiled all genomic resources available from public repositories of the eight recognized Saccharomyces species and their interspecific hybrids. To illustrate the degree and potential causes of reproductive isolation, all published data on hybrid spore viabilities across the entire genus were reanalyzed and tested for the role of genetic, geographic, and ecological divergence within and between species (28 cross types and 371 independent crosses). Take Away: This article provides (1) a quantitative review of all genomic resources of Saccharomyces yeast species and their hybrids, (2) a compilation of published data on reproductive isolation (spore viabilities) within and between species, (3) highlights and trends in the publication efforts within this field, and (4) areas where yeast hybrids are and will be particularly useful for research and development in the future.