Physiological analysis on novel coculture of Monascus sp. J101 with Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

During the fermentation process of Monascus 3101, coculture with Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture filtrate stimulated the formation of reproductive spores, which subsequently resulted in accelerated Monascus cell reproduction and proliferation. Protein kinase C activity was also detected. Chitinase (EC 3.2.1.14), a 120-kDa secretory protein, was purified from the S. cerevisiae culture filtrate as the effector. Monascus cells cocultured with a S. cerevisiae culture filtrate contained approximately four times more total lipids (mainly linoleic and oleic acid) than Monascus cells without coculture. Addition of exogenous fatty acids only contributed to an increase in cell mass. There was no effect on spore formation or pigment production. There were significant changes in patterns and amounts of expressed proteins in cocultured Monascus cells compared to control cells with no coculture.