Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for identifying orthogonal transcriptional switches derived from Tet repressor homologs for Saccharomyces cerevishiae regulated by 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) and other ligands.

Abstract: A system for controlling gene expression in yeast comprises a repressible gene expression plasmid that has a regulator binding sequence for camR and a target gene sequence. The system also includes a transcription enhancer expression plasmid; wherein said transcriptional activator protein binds to the regulator binding sequence in the absence of a transcriptional inhibitor. The system is used in a method for controlling expression of the target gene through the use of camphor. The target gene is expressed in the absence of camphor but unexpressed if camphor is added to a solution of cells containing the plasmids.

Abstract: A system for controlling gene expression in yeast comprises a repressible gene expression plasmid that has a regulator binding sequence for camR and a target gene sequence. The system also includes a transcription enhancer expression plasmid; wherein said transcriptional activator protein binds to the regulator binding sequence in the absence of a transcriptional inhibitor. The system is used in a method for controlling expression of the target gene through the use of camphor. The target gene is expressed in the absence of camphor but unexpressed if camphor is added to a solution of cells containing the plasmids.

Abstract: There is disclosed a yeast strain of Candida utilis, wherein the yeast strain has been transformed with at least one copy of a gene that is operatively linked to a promoter sequence enabling expression of the gene and encodes a polypeptide having activity of lactate dehydrogenase. The yeast strain is useful for producing lactic acid with high efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a yeast strain of Candida utilis, wherein the yeast strain has been transformed with at least one of three genes that are operatively linked to a promoter sequence and encode polypeptides having activities of xylose reductase, xylitol dehydrogenase, and xylulose kinase. The yeast strain is useful for producing a metabolic product from xylose with high efficiency.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a primer set, which can accurately, rapidly and simply identify yeast species of genus Saccharomyces. According to the present invention, there is provided a primer set for use in the detection of the yeast species of genus Saccharomyces, which comprises primers selected from the group consisting of the polynucleotides having the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 17 or 23 to 30, or the homologous polynucleotides thereof.