Physiological analysis on novel coculture of Monascus sp J101 with Saccharomyces cerevisiae

During the fermentation process of Monascus J101, coculture with Saccharomy ces cerevisiae culture filtrate stimulated the formation of reproductive sp ores, which subsequently resulted in accelerated Monascus cell reproduction and proliferation. Protein kinase C activity was also detected. Chitinase (EC 3.2.1.14), a 120-kDa secretory protein, was purified from the S. cerevi siae culture filtrate as the effector. Monascus cells cocultured with a S. cerevisiae culture filtrate contained approximately four times more total l ipids (mainly linoleic and oleic acid) than Monascus cells without cocultur e. Addition of exogenous fatty acids only contributed to an increase in cel l mass. There was no effect on spore formation or pigment production. There were significant changes in patterns and amounts of expressed proteins in cocultured Monascus cells compared to control cells with no coculture. (C) 2000 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevie r Science B.V. All rights reserved.