Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified genes that encode proteins that are involved in the (bio)synthesis of citric acid. The invention also features polynucleotides comprising the full-length polynucleotide sequences of the novel genes and fragments thereof, the novel polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and fragments thereof, as well as their functional equivalents. The present invention also relates to the use of said polynucleotides and polypeptides as biotechnological tools in the production of citric acid from microorganisms, whereby a modification of said polynucleotides and/or encoded polypeptides has a direct or indirect impact on yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the fermentation product in said microorganism. Also included are methods/processes of using the polynucleotides and modified polynucleotide sequences to transform host microorganisms. The invention also relates to genetically engineered microorganisms and their use for production of citric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides that have an activity corresponding to at least one activity of the SEC61 polypeptide, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides and the use thereof in the preparation of host cells suitable for production of a polypeptide of interest. Such host cells may have an increased capacity to secrete a polypeptide of interest.