We are a group with a strong experience in physiology and molecular
biology of non-conventional yeasts. In particular in recent years, we
have been dealing with the halophilic cell walled eukaryote Debaryomyces
hansenii. Our strategy has been to isolate and characterize genes coding
for transporter proteins, putatively involved in salt tolerance. We
isolated genes coding for Na+-ATPases (ENA), potassium transporters
(HAK, TRK), glycerol transporters (STL, GUP) and aquaporins. We are also
dealing with the characterisation of new transporters for sugars and
polyols, providing new genes to build improved strains.
 A second important area deals with characterization of water fluxes in
yeasts and plants. We developed a new methodology to study water fluxes
in intact yeast cells. We are now cloning plant aquaporins in yeast
systems, for their characterisation. 

Centro de Botânica Aplicada à Agricultura, Instituto Superior de Agronomia

Contact person details Name, Title
Prof Maria Loureiro-Dias
Gender (M/F): F
Tel.: 351213653205
Fax. 351213653205
E-mail: mcdias@isa.utl.pt
Personnel website: http://www.isa.utl.pt/dbeb/pessoas/mdias.html
Organization/Research Group details
Name: Centro de Botânica Aplicada à Agricultura, Instituto Superior de
Agronomia
Street name and number: Calcada da Tapada 1349-017 
Lisboa
Portugal


NCP for Theme 2
Joana Camilo
Organisation
GRICES - Office for International Relations in Science and Higher Education 
Portuguese Ministry for Science, Technology and Higher Education
Tel.
(+351)  21 782 83 09
E-mail
joana.camilo@grices.mctes.pt

We are a group with a strong experience in physiology and molecular
biology of non-conventional yeasts. In particular in recent years, we
have been dealing with the halophilic cell walled eukaryote Debaryomyces
hansenii. This yeast is a well known organism for its tolerance to high
salt environments and the full sequence of the genome is available. Our
strategy has been to isolate and characterize genes coding for
transporter proteins, putatively involved in salt tolerance. We isolated
genes coding for Na+-ATPases (ENA), potassium transporters (HAK, TRK),
glycerol transporters (STL, GUP) and aquaporins. We are investing a
strong effort in correlating the ability to transport potassium in the
presence of sodium with halotolerance. We consider that this is an
important task to be performed and our aim is to provide clues and genes
(tools) that may be important to improve salt tolerance of crops. Our
main collaborator in this area is Jose Ramos from Cordova University.
A second important area deals with characterization of water fluxes in
yeasts and plants. Together with the group of biomembranes of Teresa
Moura in the New University of Lisbon, we developed a new methodology to
study water fluxes in intact yeast cells. We are now cloning plant
aquaporins in yeast systems, for their characterisation. 

Activity / Area
2.1  Sustainable production and management of biological resources from
land, forest and aquatic environments
2.1.1 Enabling Research
2.1.2 Increased sustainability of all production systems (agriculture,
forestry, fisheries and aquaculture); Plant health and crop protection


2.3. Life sciences, biotechnology and biochemistry for sustainable
non-food products and processes
2.3.2 Bioprocesses
2.3.3 Environmental biotechnologies; Use of waste and by-products

Description of previous and present experience in International
Cooperation  


For many years our group has had experience in international
collaboration. Just to summarize, an indication of papers co-authored by
international groups is provided: J Ramos, Spain (Eukaryotic Cell, FEMS
Yeast Res, J Bacteriol, Microbiology, I J Food Microbiol); P van Dijck,
Belgium (Microbiology); J Peinado, Spain (Int J Food Microbiol, Enzyme
Microbiol Technol, Microbiology); T Abee, Netherlands (App Environ
Microbiol); R Brandão, Brazil (FEMS Yeast Research); J Thevelein,
Belgium (Microbiology, FEMS Yeast Research); W Konings, Netherlands (J
Bacteriol, Eur J Biochem); KD Entian, Germany (Microbiology).
At present, collaborative research in the field of eukaryote salt
tolerance involves the groups of H Sychrova (Check Republic) and J Ramos
(Spain). 
PPF_FP7_T2.4.1   


 Participation in EU’s Framework Programme (FP) projects

Project 1 Title / Acronym (Activities performed)
Spoilage yeasts in food and beverages: characteriz­ation and ecology for
improved diagnosis and con­trol (CE PT 920830)

Responsible for the participation of the Gulbenkian Institute of Science.
Research work in the characterization of spoilage yeasts


Project 2 Title / Acronym (Activities performed)
Exploration of Microbial Diversity (BIO2 - CT93 - 0119)
Responsible for the participation of the Gulbenkian Institute of Science.
Research work on yeasts biodiversity


Call reference
Calls FP7-KBBE-2007-1 (2007-1) &  FP7-KBBE-2007-2A (2007-2A)]
WP Topic
KBBE-2007-1-1-01
KBBE-2007-1-2-01
KBBE-2007-3-2-01
KBBE-2007-3-3-02

Keywords specifying the expertise:

Non-conventional yeasts; halotolerance; transporter genes; cation
transport; polyol transport 
Description of the expertise:

We are a group with a strong experience in physiology and molecular
biology of non-conventional yeasts. In particular in recent years, we
have been dealing with the halophilic cell walled eukaryote Debaryomyces
hansenii. Our strategy has been to isolate and characterize genes coding
for transporter proteins, putatively involved in salt tolerance. We
isolated genes coding for Na+-ATPases (ENA), potassium transporters
(HAK, TRK), glycerol transporters (STL, GUP) and aquaporins. We are also
dealing with the characterisation of new transporters for sugars and
polyols, providing new genes to build improved strains.
 A second important area deals with characterization of water fluxes in
yeasts and plants. We developed a new methodology to study water fluxes
in intact yeast cells. We are now cloning plant aquaporins in yeast
systems, for their characterisation.