Regulation of Arginine Metabolism and Ethanol Tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by BTN2.

Ethyl carbamate (EC), primarily formed by the reaction between urea and ethanol, is a natural carcinogen prevalent in fermented alcoholic beverages. Urea is an arginine metabolite produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Previous studies have shown that BTN2 influences arginine metabolism. In this study, we compared the effects of BTN2-modified strains on key metabolites, enzymes, and transcriptional gene expressions in the arginine metabolic pathway, and assessed cell growth and oxidative damage under different ethanol stresses. It revealed that the knockout of BTN2 inhibited arginine intake and promoted urea reduction. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that BTN2 regulate arginine transportation, catabolism, and urea degradation by modulating the expression of GAP1, CAN1, CAR1, and DUR1,2. Moreover, the results showed that BTN2 enhanced ethanol tolerance and alleviated cellular damage. These findings provide a promising method for reducing arginine uptake by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and consequently urea accumulation in wine.