The isoprenoid squalene is an important precursor for the biosynthesis
of sterols, steroids and ubiquinones. Due to its beneficial properties
as antioxidant [1] and dyslipidemic properties, and its possible use
for prevention from cancer and skin disorders [2–4] the biotechnological
production of squalene has been studied in several organisms [5–8].
Besides the occurrence of squalene in shark liver oil, olive oil, amaranth
oil and some microorganisms the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was
shown to accumulate squalene under certain culture conditions or/
and by genetic modifications [9–14]