The aim of the joint Swiss-Czech and
BioTech2005 symposium is to generate discussion on the further potential
of the industrial exploitation of yeasts such as Pichia, Saccharomyces,
Hansenula and the like. Although commercially relevant products
such as therapeutic proteins and enzymes can be expressed in yeast, at present there is
only limited use of yeast in their industrial production. However, a
number of noteworthy developments have recently stimulated the renaissance
of yeast biotechnology, e.g. yeast’s potential for humanized glycosylation
as well as its ability to secrete large amounts of proteins. Furthermore,
as a fast-growing organism, yeast can be easily cultivated to high cell
densities in non-expensive mineral media, and is therefore free from
retroviral contaminations as well as being easy to handle at large scale.
In order to assess the further potential and limitations of industrial
production using yeast expression systems, the following topical issues
will be addressed during the symposium:
•
yeast genetics and posttranslational modifications,
•
yeast physiology and metabolism,
•
potential application of yeast and yeast
products,
•
challenges in industrial production with
yeasts,
•
academic and industrial networking and
opportunities for international co-operation.
In order to assess the extent to which innovation
in yeast biology and process technology might contribute to the competitiveness
of yeasts, the expression systems of industrially interesting species
will be compared with respect to their physiological and metabolic characteristics.
In addition, an overview of existing products will be made and possible
future products identified. Through taking part in the symposium, participants
will gain a comprehensive survey of potential new applications of yeasts
in biotechnology as well as innovative ideas from academia and industry.