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

## TL;DR

This study shows how the BTN2 gene in yeast affects arginine metabolism and ethanol tolerance, offering a way to reduce harmful urea in wine.

## Contribution

The study reveals BTN2's role in regulating arginine transport, catabolism, and urea degradation in yeast under ethanol stress.

## Key findings

- BTN2 knockout inhibits arginine intake and promotes urea reduction in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- BTN2 modulates gene expression of GAP1, CAN1, CAR1, and DUR1,2 in arginine metabolism.
- BTN2 enhances ethanol tolerance and reduces oxidative damage in yeast cells.

## Abstract

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.

The impact of BTN2 modified strains on key metabolites, enzymes, and gene expression in the arginine metabolic pathway was investigated. BTN2 knock out strain was found to reduce arginine uptake and promote arginine and urea degradation. BTN2 was found to enhance ethanol tolerance and reduce ethanol‐induced oxidative damage.