Pichia pastoris

Komagataella is a methylotrophic yeast within the order Saccharomycetales. It was found in the 1960s as Pichia pastoris, with its feature of using methanol as a source of carbon and energy. In 1995, P. pastoris was reassigned into the sole representative of genus Komagataella, becoming Komagataella pastoris. Later studies have further distinguished new species in this genus, resulting in a total of 7 recognized species. It is not uncommon to see the old name still in use, as of 2023; in less formal use, the yeast may confusingly be referred to as pichia. After years of study, Komagataella is widely used in biochemical research and biotech industries. With strong potential for being an expression system for protein production, as well as being a model organism for genetic study, Komagataella phaffii has become important for biological research and biotech applications. According to GBIF: Komagataella kurtzmanii Komagataella mondaviorum Komagataella pastoris Komagataella phaffii – responsible for most industrial & research use Komagataella populi Komagataella pseudopastoris Komagataella ulmi In nature, Komagataella is found on trees, such as chestnut trees. They are heterotrophs and they can use several carbon sources for living, like glucose, glycerol and methanol. However, they cannot use lactose. Komagataella can undergo both asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction, by budding and ascospore. In this case, two types of cells of Komagataella exist: haploid and diploid cells. In the asexual life cycle, haploid cells undergo mitosis for reproduction. In the sexual life cycle, diploid cells undergo sporulation and meiosis. The growth rate of its colonies can vary by a large range, from near to 0 to a doubling time of one hour, which is suitable for industrial processes. In the last few years, Komagataella was investigated and identified as a good model organism with several advantages. First of all, Komagataella can be grown and used easily in lab. Like other widely used yeast models, it has relatively short life span and fast regeneration time.