Genetic Determinants of the Release of Mannoproteins of Enological Interest by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Cell wall mannoproteins released by Saccharomyces cerevisiae during wine fermentation and aging have recently attracted the attention of enologists and researchers in enology due to their positive effect over a number of technological and quality properties of the wines, including protein and tartaric stability, aroma and color stability, astringency, mouthfeel, malolactic fermentation, or foam properties of sparkling wines. This work has investigated the effect of deletions involving genes related to cell wall biogenesis on the release of mannoproteins, as well as the effect of the released mannoproteins on wine protein stability. When available, the phenotypes have been studied in different genetic backgrounds, in haploid or diploid strains, and in homo- or heterozygosis. Strains deleted for GAS1, GPI7, or KNR4 release higher amounts of mannoproteins and polysaccharides to the medium. These increased amounts of mannoproteins and polysaccharides lead to a stronger stability of Sauvignon Blanc wines against protein haze. Keywords: Wine yeast; mannoproteins; protein haze; mutant; genetic improvement