Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of the Isolated Candida tropicalis with Enhanced Tolerance of Furfural Inhibitor

The <i>Candida tropicalis</i> (<i>C. tropicalis</i>) named YB-3 was isolated by the Atmospheric and room temperature plasma mutagenesis from 6.5 g/L furfural tolerance. The comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of YB-3 was performed. During the stress of furfural treatment, <i>C. tropicalis</i> YB-3 protected cells from oxidative stress damage by increasing the accumulation of the glutathione reductase gene and the expression of antioxidant enzymes, with the enhancement of the inositol phosphate synthase to maintain the structural integrity and transport function of the inner membrane system, thereby affecting the cells' tolerance. Through the gene knockout and exogenous verification, it was further confirmed that the pathways involved in the three genes of sulfate adenosine transferase gene, glutathione reductase gene, and inositol phosphate synthase gene had significant effects on improving the tolerance of the strain to furfural. The deep excavation of furfural-tolerant gene components and directional modification of <i>C. tropicalis</i> to enhance tolerance are key steps for improving the utilization rate of biomass.