Intraspecific gene expression variability in the yeast revealed by micro-array analysis

Using the Genolevures sequencing data, we developed an expression micro-array for the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis consisting of 482 genes, mainly involved in central metabolism, compound transport facilitators and stress response. The array was validated using the LAC/GAL system. By comparing gene expression in the laboratory reference strain CBS2359 and in an industrial strain B1, we demonstrated the influence of two carbon sources, glucose and lactose, on the expression of genes involved in the respiratory and in the fermentative metabolic pathways. We also showed that the two strains, although both originating from dairies, display unexpected differences in gene expression on each type of carbon source.