FAS2-1280F mutation in the fatty acid synthase gene, FAS2, of Saccharomyces cerevisiae enhances caprylic acid production.

To produce new types of sake with a fruity aroma, imparted mainly by ethyl caprylate, a novel cerulenin-resistant strain, NSYC8, was isolated. NSYC8 produces high levels of caprylic acid, the precursor of ethyl caprylate, from the sake yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae NSY. An FAS2-1280F mutant was constructed from S. cerevisiae strain, Kyokai S-2, using a self-cloning method. The mutant produced 1.9-fold more caprylic acid than Kyokai S-2. Ethyl caprylate was detected in sake produced by the mutant, but not in sake produced by Kyokai S-2. The mutation enhanced production of caprylic acid and ethyl caprylate, facilitating the improvement of sake yeast strains.