Simplified protocol for faster transformation of (a large number of) Pichia pastoris strains.

During the last couple of decades, the methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris has emerged as an important yeast species owing to its increasing importance both in industry and in basic research. The presently available methods for P. pastoris transformation necessitate the preparation of competent cells which requires lots of resource, space, time and efforts. This limits the number of transformations that can be performed by an individual in a given time. This paper is reporting a modification in the available protocols, which makes P. pastoris transformation hassle-free. In the present, modified procedure, cells were grown in patches on YPD plate(s), and the rest of the steps are carried out in small Eppendorf tubes. This modified protocol does not require a big centrifuge and shaker. This modified procedure of P. pastoris transformation with its unique way of competent cells preparation will be helpful for those working with this yeast species.