Transcriptomics and proteomics analyses reveal the molecular mechanisms of yeast cells regulated by Phe-Cys against ethanol-oxidation cross-stress

Antioxidant dipeptide Phe-Cys (FC) could dramatically improve yeast cells resistance to ethanol-oxidation cross-stress, but the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were conducted to investigate the effects of FC treatment on yeast under ethanol-oxidation cross-stress. Following FC supplementation, 875 differential expressed genes (DEGs) and 1296 differential expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. Integrated analysis revealed a substantial enrichment of DEGs and DEPs in the KEGG pathways of carbon metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, cofactor biosynthesis, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, FC improved yeast cell membrane integrity by promoting fatty acids and steroids biosynthesis, and implemented a high-energy strategy by upregulating glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, alterations in DEGs and DEPs levels associated with amino acids metabolism accelerated protein synthesis and enhanced cell viability. In conclusion, this study elucidated the response mechanisms of yeast to FC treatment under ethanol-oxidation cross-stress, providing a theoretical basis for the application of FC in high-gravity brewing.