Since its inception two decades ago, yeast genomics has been built around the single reference genome of S288C. The original idea was the production of a single consensus representative S. cerevisiae genome against which all other yeast sequences could be measured. The reference genome serves as the scaffold on which to hang other genomic sequences, and the foundation on which to build different types of genomic datasets. Whereas the first genome took years to complete, through the efforts of the large international consortium described, the sequences of dozens of genomes have been determined in the past several years (Engel and Cherry 2013 ). As sequencing has become more widespread, less novel, and, above all, less expensive, decoding entire genomes has become less daunting. New genomes now take only days to sequence to full and deep coverage and are assembled quickly, by individuals or small groups, through comparison to the reference, which is an invaluable guide for the annotation of newly sequenced genomes.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the genome of a species can contain a great deal of complexity and diversity. A reference genome can vary significantly from that of any individual strain or isolate and therefore serves as the anchor from which to explore the diversity of allele and gene complements and to explore how these differences contribute to metabolic and phenotypic variation. In the pharmaceutical industry, knowledge of the yeast reference genome helps drive the development of strains tailored to specific purposes, such as the production of biofuels, chemicals, and therapeutic drugs (Runguphan and Keasling 2013 ). In the beverage industry, it aids in the fermentation of beers, wines, and sakes with specific attributes, such as desired flavor profiles or reduced alcohol (Engel and Cherry 2013 ). We have seen the advantage afforded the yeast and genetics communities because of the early availability of an S. cerevisiae reference genome. The great facilitation of scientific discoveries and breakthroughs is without question (Botstein and Fink 2011 (link)).
It is becoming increasingly clear that the genome of a species can contain a great deal of complexity and diversity. A reference genome can vary significantly from that of any individual strain or isolate and therefore serves as the anchor from which to explore the diversity of allele and gene complements and to explore how these differences contribute to metabolic and phenotypic variation. In the pharmaceutical industry, knowledge of the yeast reference genome helps drive the development of strains tailored to specific purposes, such as the production of biofuels, chemicals, and therapeutic drugs (Runguphan and Keasling 2013 ). In the beverage industry, it aids in the fermentation of beers, wines, and sakes with specific attributes, such as desired flavor profiles or reduced alcohol (Engel and Cherry 2013 ). We have seen the advantage afforded the yeast and genetics communities because of the early availability of an S. cerevisiae reference genome. The great facilitation of scientific discoveries and breakthroughs is without question (Botstein and Fink 2011 (link)).
Free full text: Click here
