Yarrowia lipolytica, a dimorphic yeast belonging to the Ascomycota, has potent abilities to utilize hydrophobic compounds, such as n-alkanes and fatty acids, as carbon and energy sources. Yarrowia lipolytica can synthesize and accumulate large amounts of lipids, making it a promising host to produce various lipids and convert n-alkanes to useful compounds. For advanced use of Y. lipolytica in these applications, it is necessary to understand the metabolism of these hydrophobic compounds in this yeast and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this review, current knowledge on the n-alkane metabolism and how this is regulated in Y. lipolytica is summarized. Furthermore, recent studies revealed that lipid transfer proteins are involved in the utilization of n-alkanes and the regulation of cell morphology in response to n-alkanes. This review discusses the roles of membrane lipids in these processes in Y. lipolytica.

解脂耶氏酵母是一种属于子囊菌门的二态酵母，具有利用疏水化合物（如正烷烃和脂肪酸）作为碳源和能源的强大能力。Yarrowia lipolytica可以合成和积累大量的脂质，使其成为生产各种脂质并将正烷烃转化为有用化合物的有前途的宿主。为了在这些应用中进一步使用解脂耶氏酵母，有必要了解这些疏水化合物在这种酵母中的代谢和潜在的分子机制。在这篇综述中，当前关于正构烷烃代谢的知识及其在解脂耶氏酵母中的调节方式被总结。此外，最近的研究表明，脂质转移蛋白参与正构烷烃的利用和响应正构烷烃的细胞形态调节。这篇综述讨论了解脂耶氏酵母中膜脂在这些过程中的作用。