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Ascoidea xinghuacunensis sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast species from Xinghuacun Fenjiu old workshop, Shanxi province of China

Summary

Scientists discovered a new type of heat-loving yeast in a traditional Chinese liquor-making workshop in Shanxi province. This yeast, named Ascoidea xinghuacunensis, is the first member of its rare genus to be found in China and can survive at higher temperatures than its relatives. The discovery was made by analyzing the genetic material and physical characteristics of yeast samples collected from fermentation facilities, expanding our knowledge of microscopic life in food production environments.

Background

The genus Ascoidea is a rare ascomycetous yeast known for producing asci with an unusually high number of ascospores. Previously, only three Ascoidea species had been recognized worldwide, with no documented isolations from China.

Objective

To characterize and describe four yeast strains isolated from samples collected in a traditional Baijiu (Chinese liquor) brewing workshop in Xinghuacun, Shanxi province, China, and to determine if they represent a novel species within the genus Ascoidea.

Results

Four strains (CGMCC 2.7787, LZF-1, LZF-3, and LZF-4) with identical molecular sequences were isolated, representing a novel species designated Ascoidea xinghuacunensis sp. nov. The new species is phylogenetically distinct from the three previously recognized Ascoidea species and is notably characterized by its ability to grow at 37°C, making it the most heat-tolerant species in the genus.

Conclusion

This study describes the first Ascoidea species isolated from China and the first documented isolation from a Baijiu brewing environment. Ascoidea xinghuacunensis sp. nov. expands our understanding of microbial diversity in traditional fermentation settings and demonstrates the existence of heat-tolerant yeast species in this genus.
  • Published in:International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006700, PMID: 40029285
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