Hanseniaspora is a genus of yeasts. The name Kloeckera is applied to its anamorph form. They are typically apiculate (lemon-shaped) in shape and often found in grape musts pre-fermentation.
The genus is notable for its loss of many highly conserved genes responsible for cell cycle regulation and genome integrity, resulting in increased evolution rates and genome size reduction. It can be divided into two lineages: a faster-evolving lineage (FEL) diversifying about 87 mya, and a slower one diversifying about 52 mya. The FEL has more of such gene losses, resulting in more dramatic changes in the genome and inactivation of multiple metabolic pathways. However, it has managed to diversify and thrive, showing that life can function without such regulation.
Role in Fermentation
Due to their natural prevalence and resistance to osmotic pressure, several genera of Hanseniaspora, particularly H. vinae and H. oenarum, are significant contributors to early wine fermentation. However, as fermentation progresses and ethanol increases, Hanseniaspora is outcompeted, although H. osmophila is tolerable to ethanol concentrations of up to 11%. The use of H. vinae in wine fermentations has significant effects on end-product flavors. Compared to S. cerevisiae, H. vinae produces more monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and acetoin. The primary olfactory contribution is 2-phenylethyl acetate, characterized by a floral (roses), honey scent. In addition, H. vinae fermentation is marked by lower higher alcohols, ethyl esters, and medium chain fatty acids. It has been observed that co-inoculations with L. thermotolerans/H. vineae showed inhibition of acidification, generating up to 0.41 g/L of lactic acid. In contrast, a synergistic effect was observed when L. thermotolerans/H. opuntiae was used, reaching 2.44 g/L of lactic acid and a pH reduction of up to 0.16.
↑Burkhardt, Lotte (2022). Eine Enzyklopädie zu eponymischen Pflanzennamen[Encyclopedia of eponymic plant names] (in German). Berlin: Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum, Freie Universität Berlin. doi:10.3372/epolist2022. ISBN978-3-946292-41-8. S2CID246307410.
↑Klöcker, A. (1912). "Beschreibungen von 17 "Saccharomyces apiculatus"-Formen". Zentralblatt für Bakteriologie und Parasitenkunde, Abteilung 2. (in German). 35: 375–388.
↑Carrau, Francisco; Dellacassa, Eduardo; Boido, Eduardo; Medina, Karina; etal. (2023-01-04). "Biology and physiology of Hanseniaspora vineae: metabolic diversity and increase flavour complexity for food fermentation". FEMS Yeast Research. 23 foad010. doi:10.1093/femsyr/foad010. hdl:20.500.12008/52321. ISSN1567-1364. PMID36758966.
↑Vaquero, Cristian; Escott, Carlos; Heras, José María; Carrau, Francisco; Morata, Antonio (November 2022). "Co-inoculations of Lachancea thermotolerans with different Hanseniaspora spp.: Acidification, aroma, biocompatibility, and effects of nutrients in wine". Food Research International. 161 111891. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111891. PMID36192917.