UV radiation triggers mycosporine-glutaminol-glucoside biosynthesis in Naganishia friedmannii FBU002, a non-pathogenic yeast.

This article focuses on the identification and characterization of Naganishia friedmannii FBU002, a non-pathogenic yeast isolated from the high-UV radiation environment of the Atacama Desert, which produces mycosporine-glutaminol-glucoside (MGG), a natural UV-absorbing compound. The study demonstrates that N. friedmannii synthesizes MGG and a likely diastereoisomer in response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), supported by chromatographic, spectroscopic, and gene expression analyses revealing an inducible mycosporine biosynthetic gene cluster. Phenotypic tests indicate that this yeast tolerates various stresses, including UVC radiation, and lacks key virulence factors, suggesting its suitability for biotechnological applications. These findings highlight N. friedmannii as a promising sustainable source for natural sunscreen production, potentially replacing fossil fuel-derived artificial sunscreens with environmentally friendly alternatives.