Breeding of a Low Pyruvate-Producing Sake Yeast by Isolation of a Mutant Resistant to Ethyl [alpha]-Transcyanocinnamate, an Inhibitor of Mitochondrial Pyruvate Transport

Pyruvate is the key substance controlling the formation of diacetyl, acetaldehyde, and acetate during alcoholic fermentation. Here we report the breeding of a low pyruvate-producing sake yeast by isolation of a mutant resistant to ethyl α-transcyanocinnamate, an inhibitor of mitochondrial pyruvate transport. Mitochondrial function was involved in resistance to this substance and in the production of pyruvate by the mutants.