The invention provides processes for the conversion of pyruvate obtained from sugars or other carbon sources, to valuable C5 materials such as levulinic acid, levulinate esters, valerolactone, and derivatives thereof.

A method for manufacturing 1,3-propanediol includes culturing, in the presence of a saccharide and formaldehyde to produce 1,3-propanediol, a microorganism having the following genes: (a) a first gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes an aldol reaction between pyruvic acid and aldehydes; (b) a second gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes a decarboxylation reaction of α-keto acids; and (c) a third gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes a reduction reaction of aldehydes, is provided.

A method for manufacturing 1,3-propanediol includes culturing, in the presence of a saccharide and formaldehyde to produce 1,3-propanediol, a microorganism having the following genes: (a) a first gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes an aldol reaction between pyruvic acid and aldehydes; (b) a second gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes a decarboxylation reaction of α-keto acids; and (c) a third gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes a reduction reaction of aldehydes, is provided.

The invention provides processes for the conversion of pyruvate obtained from sugars or other carbon sources, to valuable C5 materials such as levulinic acid, levulinate esters, valerolactone, and derivatives thereof.

Provided is a genetically engineered yeast cell with lactate production capacity, including an enzyme that catalyzes conversion of acetaldehyde to acetyl-CoA and an enzyme that catalyzes conversion of pyruvate to lactate, which activities are increased compared to a parent cell of the yeast cell, as well as a method of producing the genetically engineered yeast cell and method of producing lactate using the genetically engineered yeast cell.