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Yoshida E, Kato Y, Kanamoto A, Kondo A, Hasunuma T. Mixotrophic culture enhances fucoxanthin production in the haptophyte Pavlova gyrans. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:352. [PMID: 38819468 PMCID: PMC11143061 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13199-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Fucoxanthin is a versatile substance in the food and pharmaceutical industries owing to its excellent antioxidant and anti-obesity properties. Several microalgae, including the haptophyte Pavlova spp., can produce fucoxanthin and are potential industrial fucoxanthin producers, as they lack rigid cell walls, which facilitates fucoxanthin extraction. However, the commercial application of Pavlova spp. is limited owing to insufficient biomass production. In this study, we aimed to develop a mixotrophic cultivation method to increase biomass and fucoxanthin production in Pavlova gyrans OPMS 30543X. The effects of culturing OPMS 30543X with different organic carbon sources, glycerol concentrations, mixed-nutrient conditions, and light intensities on the consumption of organic carbon sources, biomass production, and fucoxanthin accumulation were analyzed. Several organic carbon sources, such as glycerol, glucose, sucrose, and acetate, were examined, revealing that glycerol was well-consumed by the microalgae. Biomass and fucoxanthin production by OPMS 30543X increased in the presence of 10 mM glycerol compared to that observed without glycerol. Metabolomic analysis revealed higher levels of the metabolites related to the glycolytic, Calvin-Benson-Bassham, and tricarboxylic acid cycles under mixotrophic conditions than under autotrophic conditions. Cultures grown under mixotrophic conditions with a light intensity of 100 µmol photons m-2 s-1 produced more fucoxanthin than autotrophic cultures. Notably, the amount of fucoxanthin produced (18.9 mg/L) was the highest reported thus far for Pavlova species. In conclusion, the use of mixotrophic culture is a promising strategy for increasing fucoxanthin production in Pavlova species. KEY POINTS: • Glycerol enhances biomass and fucoxanthin production in Pavlova gyrans • Metabolite levels increase under mixotrophic conditions • Mixotrophic conditions and medium-light intensity are appropriate for P. gyrans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erina Yoshida
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Yuichi Kato
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kanamoto
- OP Bio Factory Co., Ltd, 5-8 Aza-Suzaki, Uruma, 904-2234, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Hasunuma
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan.
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan.
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Kanagawa, Japan.
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2
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Kalvelage J, Wöhlbrand L, Senkler J, Schumacher J, Ditz N, Bischof K, Winklhofer M, Klingl A, Braun HP, Rabus R. Conspicuous chloroplast with light harvesting-photosystem I/II megacomplex in marine Prorocentrum cordatum. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:306-325. [PMID: 38330164 PMCID: PMC11181951 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Marine photosynthetic (micro)organisms drive multiple biogeochemical cycles and display a large diversity. Among them, the bloom-forming, free-living dinoflagellate Prorocentrum cordatum CCMP 1329 (formerly P. minimum) stands out with its distinct cell biological features. Here, we obtained insights into the structural properties of the chloroplast and the photosynthetic machinery of P. cordatum using microscopic and proteogenomic approaches. High-resolution FIB/SEM analysis revealed a single large chloroplast (∼40% of total cell volume) with a continuous barrel-like structure, completely lining the inner face of the cell envelope and enclosing a single reticular mitochondrium, the Golgi apparatus, as well as diverse storage inclusions. Enriched thylakoid membrane fractions of P. cordatum were comparatively analyzed with those of the well-studied model-species Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) using 2D BN DIGE. Strikingly, P. cordatum possessed a large photosystem-light harvesting megacomplex (>1.5 MDa), which is dominated by photosystems I and II (PSI, PSII), chloroplast complex I, and chlorophyll a-b binding light harvesting complex proteins. This finding parallels the absence of grana in its chloroplast and distinguishes from the predominant separation of PSI and PSII complexes in A. thaliana, indicating a different mode of flux balancing. Except for the core elements of the ATP synthase and the cytb6f-complex, the composition of the other complexes (PSI, PSII, and pigment-binding proteins, PBPs) of P. cordatum differed markedly from those of A. thaliana. Furthermore, a high number of PBPs was detected, accounting for a large share of the total proteomic data (∼65%) and potentially providing P. cordatum with flexible adaptation to changing light regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kalvelage
- School of Mathematics and Science, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Lars Wöhlbrand
- School of Mathematics and Science, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Senkler
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Julian Schumacher
- School of Mathematics and Science, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Noah Ditz
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Kai Bischof
- Faculty Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen & MARUM, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Michael Winklhofer
- School of Mathematics and Science, Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences (IBU), Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, School of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Klingl
- Faculty of Biology, Botany, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität LMU München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Braun
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralf Rabus
- School of Mathematics and Science, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
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3
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Græsholt C, Brembu T, Volpe C, Bartosova Z, Serif M, Winge P, Nymark M. Zeaxanthin epoxidase 3 Knockout Mutants of the Model Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum Enable Commercial Production of the Bioactive Carotenoid Diatoxanthin. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:185. [PMID: 38667802 PMCID: PMC11051370 DOI: 10.3390/md22040185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Carotenoids are pigments that have a range of functions in human health. The carotenoid diatoxanthin is suggested to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and chemo-preventive properties. Diatoxanthin is only produced by a few groups of microalgae, where it functions in photoprotection. Its large-scale production in microalgae is currently not feasible. In fact, rapid conversion into the inactive pigment diadinoxanthin is triggered when cells are removed from a high-intensity light source, which is the case during large-scale harvesting of microalgae biomass. Zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) 2 and/or ZEP3 have been suggested to be responsible for the back-conversion of high-light accumulated diatoxanthin to diadinoxanthin in low-light in diatoms. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, we knocked out the ZEP2 and ZEP3 genes in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum to investigate their role in the diadinoxanthin-diatoxanthin cycle and determine if one of the mutant strains could function as a diatoxanthin production line. Light-shift experiments proved that ZEP3 encodes the enzyme converting diatoxanthin to diadinoxanthin in low light. Loss of ZEP3 caused the high-light-accumulated diatoxanthin to be stable for several hours after the cultures had been returned to low light, suggesting that zep3 mutant strains could be suitable as commercial production lines of diatoxanthin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Græsholt
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway (T.B.); (Z.B.); (M.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Tore Brembu
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway (T.B.); (Z.B.); (M.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Charlotte Volpe
- Department of Fisheries and New Biomarine Industry, SINTEF Ocean, 7010 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Zdenka Bartosova
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway (T.B.); (Z.B.); (M.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Manuel Serif
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway (T.B.); (Z.B.); (M.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Per Winge
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway (T.B.); (Z.B.); (M.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Marianne Nymark
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway (T.B.); (Z.B.); (M.S.); (P.W.)
- Department of Fisheries and New Biomarine Industry, SINTEF Ocean, 7010 Trondheim, Norway;
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4
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Li C, Pan Y, Yin W, Liu J, Hu H. A key gene, violaxanthin de-epoxidase-like 1, enhances fucoxanthin accumulation in Phaeodactylum tricornutum. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2024; 17:49. [PMID: 38566219 PMCID: PMC10986045 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02496-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fucoxanthin has been widely investigated owing to its beneficial biological properties, and the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, possessing fucoxanthin (Fux) chlorophyll proteins as light-harvesting systems, is considered to have the potential to become a commercial cell factory for the pigment production. RESULTS Here, we compared the pigment contents in 10 different P. tricornutum strains from the globe, and found that strain CCMP631 (Pt6) exhibited the highest Fux content but with a low biomass. Comparison of mRNA levels revealed that higher Fux content in Pt6 was related with the higher expression of gene violaxanthin de-epoxidase-like (VDL) protein 1 (VDL1), which encodes the enzyme catalyzing the tautomerization of violaxanthin to neoxanthin in Fux biosynthesis pathway. Single nucleotide variants of VDL1 gene and allele-specific expression in strains Pt1 (the whole genome sequenced strain CCMP632) and Pt6 were analyzed, and overexpressing of each of the 4 VDL1 alleles, two from Pt1 and two from Pt6, in strain Pt1 leads to an increase in downstream product diadinoxanthin and channels the pigments towards Fux biosynthesis. All the 8 VDL1 overexpression (OE) lines showed significant increases by 8.2 to 41.7% in Fux content without compromising growth, and VDL1 Allele 2 OE lines even exhibited the higher cell density on day 8, with an increase by 24.2-28.7% in two Pt1VDL1-allele 2 OE lines and 7.1-11.1% in two Pt6VDL1-allele 2 OE lines, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results reveal VDL1, localized in the plastid stroma, plays a key role in Fux over-accumulation in P. tricornutum. Overexpressing VDL1, especially allele 2, improved both the Fux content and growth rate, which provides a new strategy for the manipulation of Fux production in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yufang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Wenxiu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, and Center for Algae Innovation & Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Hanhua Hu
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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5
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Tang S, Liu Y, Zhu J, Cheng X, Liu L, Hammerschmidt K, Zhou J, Cai Z. Bet hedging in a unicellular microalga. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2063. [PMID: 38453919 PMCID: PMC10920660 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46297-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding how organisms have adapted to persist in unpredictable environments is a fundamental goal in biology. Bet hedging, an evolutionary adaptation observed from microbes to humans, facilitates reproduction and population persistence in randomly fluctuating environments. Despite its prevalence, empirical evidence in microalgae, crucial primary producers and carbon sinks, is lacking. Here, we report a bet-hedging strategy in the unicellular microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. We show that isogenic populations reversibly diversify into heterophenotypic mobile and non-mobile cells independently of environmental conditions, likely driven by stochastic gene expression. Mobile cells grow faster but are stress-sensitive, while non-mobile cells prioritise stress resistance over growth. This is due to shifts from growth-promoting activities (cell division, photosynthesis) to resilience-promoting processes (thickened cell wall, cell enlargement, aggregation, accumulation of antioxidant and energy-storing compounds). Our results provide empirical evidence for bet hedging in a microalga, indicating the potential for adaptation to current and future environmental conditions and consequently conservation of ecosystem functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Tang
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Yaqing Liu
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Jianming Zhu
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Xueyu Cheng
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Lu Liu
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | | | - Jin Zhou
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong Province, PR China.
| | - Zhonghua Cai
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong Province, PR China.
- Technology Innovation Center for Marine Ecology and Human Factor Assessment of Natural Resources Ministry, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong Province, PR China.
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6
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Jinkerson RE, Poveda-Huertes D, Cooney EC, Cho A, Ochoa-Fernandez R, Keeling PJ, Xiang T, Andersen-Ranberg J. Biosynthesis of chlorophyll c in a dinoflagellate and heterologous production in planta. Curr Biol 2024; 34:594-605.e4. [PMID: 38157859 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Chlorophyll c is a key photosynthetic pigment that has been used historically to classify eukaryotic algae. Despite its importance in global photosynthetic productivity, the pathway for its biosynthesis has remained elusive. Here we define the CHLOROPHYLL C SYNTHASE (CHLCS) discovered through investigation of a dinoflagellate mutant deficient in chlorophyll c. CHLCSs are proteins with chlorophyll a/b binding and 2-oxoglutarate-Fe(II) dioxygenase (2OGD) domains found in peridinin-containing dinoflagellates; other chlorophyll c-containing algae utilize enzymes with only the 2OGD domain or an unknown synthase to produce chlorophyll c. 2OGD-containing synthases across dinoflagellate, diatom, cryptophyte, and haptophyte lineages form a monophyletic group, 8 members of which were also shown to produce chlorophyll c. Chlorophyll c1 to c2 ratios in marine algae are dictated in part by chlorophyll c synthases. CHLCS heterologously expressed in planta results in the accumulation of chlorophyll c1 and c2, demonstrating a path to augment plant pigment composition with algal counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Jinkerson
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Center for Plant Cell Biology, Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Daniel Poveda-Huertes
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth C Cooney
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Anna Cho
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Rocio Ochoa-Fernandez
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Patrick J Keeling
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tingting Xiang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Johan Andersen-Ranberg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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7
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Zhao H, Liu Y, Zhu Z, Feng Q, Ye Y, Zhang J, Han J, Zhou C, Xu J, Yan X, Li X. Mediator subunit MED8 interacts with heat shock transcription factor HSF3 to promote fucoxanthin synthesis in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:1574-1591. [PMID: 38062856 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Fucoxanthin, a natural carotenoid that has substantial pharmaceutical value due to its anticancer, antioxidant, antiobesity, and antidiabetic properties, is biosynthesized from glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) via a series of enzymatic reactions. However, our understanding of the transcriptional mechanisms involved in fucoxanthin biosynthesis remains limited. Using reverse genetics, the med8 mutant was identified based on its phenotype of reduced fucoxanthin content, and the biological functions of MED8 in fucoxanthin synthesis were characterized using approaches such as gene expression, protein subcellular localization, protein-protein interaction and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Gene-editing mutants of MED8 exhibited decreased fucoxanthin content as well as reduced expression levels of six key genes involved in fucoxanthin synthesis, namely DXS, PSY1, ZDS-like, CRTISO5, ZEP1, and ZEP3, when compared to the wild-type (WT) strain. Furthermore, we showed that MED8 interacts with HSF3, and genetic analysis revealed their shared involvement in the genetic pathway governing fucoxanthin synthesis. Additionally, HSF3 was required for MED8 association with the promoters of the six fucoxanthin synthesis genes. In conclusion, MED8 and HSF3 are involved in fucoxanthin synthesis by modulating the expression of the fucoxanthin synthesis genes. Our results increase the understanding of the molecular regulation mechanisms underlying fucoxanthin synthesis in the diatom P. tricornutum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejing Zhao
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yan Liu
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Zhengjiang Zhu
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Qingkai Feng
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yuemei Ye
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Jinrong Zhang
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Jichang Han
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Chengxu Zhou
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Jilin Xu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Xiaojun Yan
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
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8
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Sun H, Wang J, Li Y, Yang S, Chen DD, Tu Y, Liu J, Sun Z. Synthetic biology in microalgae towards fucoxanthin production for pharmacy and nutraceuticals. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115958. [PMID: 38052271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology has emerged as a powerful tool for engineering biological systems to produce valuable compounds, including pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Microalgae, in particular, offer a promising platform for the production of bioactive compounds due to their high productivity, low land and water requirements, and ability to perform photosynthesis. Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid pigment found predominantly in brown seaweeds and certain microalgae, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, such as antioxidation, antitumor effect and precaution osteoporosis. This review provides an overview of the principles and applications of synthetic biology in the microbial engineering of microalgae for enhanced fucoxanthin production. Firstly, the fucoxanthin bioavailability and metabolism in vivo was introduced for the beneficial roles, followed by the biological functions of anti-oxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antiapoptotic role antidiabetic and antilipemic effects. Secondly, the cultivation condition and strategy were summarized for fucoxanthin improvement with low production costs. Thirdly, the genetic engineering of microalgae, including gene overexpression, knockdown and knockout strategies were discussed for further improving the fucoxanthin production. Then, synthetic biology tools of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, transcription activator-like effector nucleases as well as modular assembly and chassis engineering were proposed to precise modification of microalgal genomes to improve fucoxanthin production. Finally, challenges and future perspectives were discussed to realize the industrial production and development of functional foods of fucoxanthin from microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Sun
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jia Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuelian Li
- China National Chemical Information Center, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Shufang Yang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | | | - Yidong Tu
- Technology Center, Shanghai Inoherb Co. Ltd, 121 Chengyin Road, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, Algae Innovation Center for Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai 201306, China.
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9
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Seo S, Chang KS, Choi MS, Jin E. Overexpression of PtVDL1 in Phaeodactylum tricornutum Increases Fucoxanthin Content under Red Light. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:198-206. [PMID: 37957112 PMCID: PMC10840463 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2309.09018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a model diatom with significant biotechnological applications, including enhancing biomass, biofuel, and carotenoid production. Specifically, owing to the capacity of this organism to serve as a valuable source of essential raw materials for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, ongoing research is actively focused on enhancing its productivity. One of the genes involved in various stages of fucoxanthin (Fx) biosynthesis, violaxanthin de-epoxidase like 1 (VDL1), has recently been identified. To validate the intracellular function of this gene and boost Fx production through overexpression, we established and examined three transgenic P. tricornutum lines characterized by elevated P. tricortunum VDL1 ( PtVDL1) expression and evaluate their cell growth and Fx productivity. These transgenic lines exhibited substantially increased PtVDL1 mRNA and protein levels compared to the wild type (WT). Notably, the enzyme substrate violaxanthin was entirely depleted and could not be detected in the transformants, whereas it remained at constant levels in the WT. Interestingly, under standard white light conditions, Fx productivity in the transformants remained unchanged; however, but after 48 h of exposure to red light, it increased by up to 15%. These results indicate that PtVDL1-overexpressing P. tricornutum has industrial potential, particularly for enhancing Fx production under red light conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungbeom Seo
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Suk Chang
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Sun Choi
- Korea Radio-Isotope Center for Pharmaceuticals, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - EonSeon Jin
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
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10
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Li J, Wu S, Zhang K, Sun X, Lin W, Wang C, Lin S. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat/CRISPR-Associated Protein and Its Utility All at Sea: Status, Challenges, and Prospects. Microorganisms 2024; 12:118. [PMID: 38257946 PMCID: PMC10820777 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Initially discovered over 35 years ago in the bacterium Escherichia coli as a defense system against invasion of viral (or other exogenous) DNA into the genome, CRISPR/Cas has ushered in a new era of functional genetics and served as a versatile genetic tool in all branches of life science. CRISPR/Cas has revolutionized the methodology of gene knockout with simplicity and rapidity, but it is also powerful for gene knock-in and gene modification. In the field of marine biology and ecology, this tool has been instrumental in the functional characterization of 'dark' genes and the documentation of the functional differentiation of gene paralogs. Powerful as it is, challenges exist that have hindered the advances in functional genetics in some important lineages. This review examines the status of applications of CRISPR/Cas in marine research and assesses the prospect of quickly expanding the deployment of this powerful tool to address the myriad fundamental marine biology and biological oceanography questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiashun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Shuaishuai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Kaidian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Haikou 570203, China
| | - Xueqiong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Wenwen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Cong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Senjie Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA
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11
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Tamaki S, Shinomura T, Mochida K. Illuminating the diversity of carotenoids in microalgal eyespots and phototaxis. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2023; 18:2257348. [PMID: 37724547 PMCID: PMC10512927 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2023.2257348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic organisms biosynthesize various carotenoids, a group of light-absorbing isoprenoid pigments that have key functions in photosynthesis, photoprotection, and phototaxis. Microalgae, in particular, contain diverse carotenoids and carotenoid biosynthetic pathways as a consequence of the various endosymbiotic events in their evolutionary history. Carotenoids such as astaxanthin, diadinoxanthin, and fucoxanthin are unique to algae. In microalgae, carotenoids are concentrated in the eyespot, a pigmented organelle that is important for phototaxis. A wide range of microalgae, including chlorophytes, euglenophytes, ochrophytes, and haptophytes, have an eyespot. In the chlorophyte Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, carotenoid layers in the eyespot reflect light to amplify the photosignal and shield photoreceptors from light, thereby enabling precise phototaxis. Our recent research revealed that, in contrast to the β-carotene-rich eyespot of C. reinhardtii, the euglenophyte Euglena gracilis relies on zeaxanthin for stable eyespot formation and phototaxis. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in the study of eyespot carotenoids and phototaxis in these microalgae, placing special emphasis on the diversity of carotenoid-dependent visual systems among microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Tamaki
- Bioproductivity Informatics Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shinomura
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Keiichi Mochida
- Bioproductivity Informatics Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Japan
- Microalgae Resource Upcycling Research Laboratory, RIKEN Baton Zone Program, Yokohama, Japan
- Kihara Institute for Biological Research, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
- School of Information and Data Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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12
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Dhokane D, Shaikh A, Yadav A, Giri N, Bandyopadhyay A, Dasgupta S, Bhadra B. CRISPR-based bioengineering in microalgae for production of industrially important biomolecules. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1267826. [PMID: 37965048 PMCID: PMC10641005 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1267826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae, as photosynthetic organisms, have the potential to produce biomolecules for use in food, feed, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, fuel, and other applications. Faster growth rates and higher protein and lipid content make microalgae a popular chassis for many industrial applications. However, challenges such as low productivity and high production costs have limited their commercialization. To overcome these challenges, bioengineering approaches such as genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology have been employed to improve the productivity and quality of microalgae-based products. Genetic engineering employing genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas allows precise and targeted genetic modifications. CRISPR/Cas systems are presently used to modify the genetic makeup of microalgae for enhanced production of specific biomolecules. However, these tools are yet to be explored explicitly in microalgae owing to some limitations. Despite the progress made in CRISPR-based bioengineering approaches, there is still a need for further research to optimize the production of microalgae-based products. This includes improving the efficiency of genome editing tools, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of microalgal metabolism, and optimizing growth conditions and cultivation strategies. Additionally, addressing the ethical, social, and environmental concerns associated with genetic modification of microalgae is crucial for the responsible development and commercialization of microalgae-based products. This review summarizes the advancements of CRISPR-based bioengineering for production of industrially important biomolecules and provides key considerations to use CRISPR/Cas systems in microalgae. The review will help researchers to understand the progress and to initiate genome editing experiments in microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bhaskar Bhadra
- Synthetic Biology Group, Reliance Industries Ltd., Navi Mumbai, India
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13
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Jiang Y, Cao T, Yang Y, Zhang H, Zhang J, Li X. A chlorophyll c synthase widely co-opted by phytoplankton. Science 2023; 382:92-98. [PMID: 37797009 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg7921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Marine and terrestrial photosynthesis exhibit a schism in the accessory chlorophyll (Chl) that complements the function of Chl a: Chl b for green plants versus Chl c for most eukaryotic phytoplankton. The enzymes that mediate Chl c biosynthesis have long remained elusive. In this work, we identified the CHLC dioxygenase (Phatr3_J43737) from the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum as the Chl c synthase. The chlc mutants lacked Chl c, instead accumulating its precursors, and exhibited growth defects. In vitro, recombinant CHLC protein converted these precursors into Chl c, thereby confirming its identity. Phylogenetic evidence demonstrates conserved use of CHLC across phyla but also the existence of distinct Chl c synthases in different algal groups. Our study addresses a long-outstanding question with implications for both contemporary and ancient marine photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyou Jiang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianjun Cao
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Yang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobo Li
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
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14
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Lacour T, Robert E, Lavaud J. Sustained xanthophyll pigments-related photoprotective NPQ is involved in photoinhibition in the haptophyte Tisochrysis lutea. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14694. [PMID: 37679420 PMCID: PMC10484918 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40298-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic xanthophyll cycle (XC) related non-photochemical quenching (NPQd, also called qE) is present in most phototrophs. It allows dissipating excess light energy under adverse growing conditions. Generally, NPQd rapidly reverses for photosynthesis to resume when light intensity decreases back toward optimal intensity. Under certain environmental conditions and/or in some species, NPQ can be strongly sustained (NPQs showing hours-to-days relaxation kinetics). Tisochrysis lutea is a South Pacific haptophyte phytoplankton with a strong potential for aquaculture and biotechnology applications. It was previously reported to show a surprisingly low NPQd capacity while synthesizing large amounts of diatoxanthin (Dt), a pigment involved in the XC. In order to better understand this paradox, we investigated the characteristics of NPQ in T. lutea under various growth conditions of light and nutrient availability (different photoperiods, low and high light, nutrient starvations). We found a strong NPQs, unmeasurable with usual fluorometry protocols. Along with confirming the involvement of Dt in both NPQd and NPQs (by using the dithiothreitol inhibitor), we highlighted a strong relationship between Dt and the maximum quantum yield of photochemistry (Fv/Fm) across growing conditions and during relaxation experiments in darkness. It suggests that changes in Fv/Fm, usually attributed to the 'photoinhibitory' quenching (qI), are simultaneously largely impacted by photoprotective NPQ. The overlap of xanthophyll pigments-related photoprotective NPQ with several other mechanisms involved in the cell response (Photosystem II photoinactivation, changes in pigments composition, and detoxification by antioxidants) to energy unbalance is further discussed. Our findings question both how widespread NPQs is in the global ocean, particularly in nutrient starved environments (oligotrophic waters) and situations (post-bloom), and the use of adapted active fluorescence protocols (i.e. with extended NPQ relaxation period prior to measurement).
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Affiliation(s)
- T Lacour
- Ifremer, PHYTOX, PHYSALG, 44000, Nantes, France.
| | - E Robert
- Ifremer, PHYTOX, GENALG, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - J Lavaud
- UMR 6539 LEMAR-Laboratory of Environmental Marine Sciences, CNRS/Univ Brest/Ifremer/IRD, IUEM-Institut Européen de la Mer, Technopôle Brest-Iroise, Rue Dumont d'Urville, 29280, Plouzané, France
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15
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Cao T, Bai Y, Buschbeck P, Tan Q, Cantrell MB, Chen Y, Jiang Y, Liu RZ, Ries NK, Shi X, Sun Y, Ware MA, Yang F, Zhang H, Han J, Zhang L, Huang J, Lohr M, Peers G, Li X. An unexpected hydratase synthesizes the green light-absorbing pigment fucoxanthin. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3053-3072. [PMID: 37100425 PMCID: PMC10396388 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The ketocarotenoid fucoxanthin and its derivatives can absorb blue-green light enriched in marine environments. Fucoxanthin is widely adopted by phytoplankton species as a main light-harvesting pigment, in contrast to land plants that primarily employ chlorophylls. Despite its supreme abundance in the oceans, the last steps of fucoxanthin biosynthesis have remained elusive. Here, we identified the carotenoid isomerase-like protein CRTISO5 as the diatom fucoxanthin synthase that is related to the carotenoid cis-trans isomerase CRTISO from land plants but harbors unexpected enzymatic activity. A crtiso5 knockout mutant in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum completely lacked fucoxanthin and accumulated the acetylenic carotenoid phaneroxanthin. Recombinant CRTISO5 converted phaneroxanthin into fucoxanthin in vitro by hydrating its carbon-carbon triple bond, instead of functioning as an isomerase. Molecular docking and mutational analyses revealed residues essential for this activity. Furthermore, a photophysiological characterization of the crtiso5 mutant revealed a major structural and functional role of fucoxanthin in photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes of diatoms. As CRTISO5 hydrates an internal alkyne physiologically, the enzyme has unique potential for biocatalytic applications. The discovery of CRTISO5 illustrates how neofunctionalization leads to major diversification events in evolution of photosynthetic mechanisms and the prominent brown coloration of most marine photosynthetic eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjun Cao
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Paul Buschbeck
- Institut für Molekulare Physiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Qiaozhu Tan
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Michael B Cantrell
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Yinjuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Instrumentation and Service Center for Molecular Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yanyou Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Run-Zhou Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Nana K Ries
- Institut für Molekulare Physiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Xiaohuo Shi
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Instrumentation and Service Center for Molecular Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yan Sun
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Maxwell A Ware
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Fenghua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jichang Han
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Lihan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Martin Lohr
- Institut für Molekulare Physiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Graham Peers
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Xiaobo Li
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
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16
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Chan C. Brown is the new green: Discovery of an algal enzyme for the final step of fucoxanthin biosynthesis. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:2716-2717. [PMID: 37195870 PMCID: PMC10396379 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ching Chan
- Assistant Features Editor, The Plant Cell, American Society of Plant Biologists, Rockville, MD, USA
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
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17
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Wu H, Zhang H, Peng J, Zheng G, Lu S, Tan Z. Adaptive responses of geographically distinct strains of the benthic dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum lima (Dinophyceae), to varying light intensity and photoperiod. HARMFUL ALGAE 2023; 127:102479. [PMID: 37544679 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The toxic Prorocentrum lima complex can potentially cause serious harm to the benthos and entire food chain. Studies have revealed physiological differences in strains from different regions related to local environment, while differences in the adaptive responses of P. lima complex should be urgently assessed. Hence, this study explored the adaptive responses to varying light intensities and photoperiods of two P. lima complex strains SHG101 and 3XS34, isolated from the Bohai Sea and the South China Sea, respectively. We found the highest cell density of 7.49 × 104 cells mL-1 recorded in the 3XS strain in the stationary phase with high light intensity exposure. No significant difference was observed in growth rate among SHG groups, however, significant differences were found among 3XS groups ranging from 0.176 to 0.311 d-1. Three key pigments Chl a, Peri, and Fuco accounted for up to 60% of the total pigments. Production and concentrations of pigments and Fv/Fm values exhibit a significant negative correlation with high light intensity and growth. Conversely, total diarrhetic shellfish toxin content and the proportion of diol esters increased to varying degrees after high intensity light exposure, with 3XS strain under high light intensity and a photoperiod of light and darkness (12L:12D) consistently exhibiting the highest levels, finally reaching a maximum (21.6 pg cell-1) at day 28. A shortened photoperiod of high light intensity (8L:16D) resulted in impaired recovery compared with 12L:12D. Furthermore, 3XS showed more delayed and intense adaptive responses, indicating a stronger tolerance compared to SHG. Collectively, these results directly characterized variation in the adaptive responses of geographically distinct strains of P. lima complex, highlighting the previously ignored potential risk diversity of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Haoyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jixing Peng
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Guanchao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Songhui Lu
- Research Center of Harmful Algae and Marine Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 10362, China
| | - Zhijun Tan
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
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18
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Ding W, Ye Y, Yu L, Liu M, Liu J. Physiochemical and molecular responses of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum to illumination transitions. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:103. [PMID: 37328885 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02352-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Light is a key regulatory factor for photosynthesis and metabolism of microalgae. The diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum is capable of exhibiting metabolic flexibility in response to light fluctuations. However, the metabolic switching and underlying molecular mechanisms upon illumination transitions remain poorly understood for this industrially relevant marine alga. To address these, the physiochemical and molecular responses of P. tricornutum upon high light (HL) and recovery (HLR) were probed. RESULTS Upon HL, P. tricornutum exhibited quick responses, including decreases in cell division, major light harvesting pigments (e.g., chlorophyll a, β-carotene, and fucoxanthin), chloroplastidic membrane lipids (e.g., monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol, and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol), and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., C20:5), as well as increases in carbohydrates and neutral lipids particularly triacylglycerol. During HLR stage when the stress was removed, these physiochemical phenotypes were generally recovered, indicative of a rapid and reversible changes of P. tricornutum to cope with illumination transitions for survival and growth. Through the integrated analysis with time-resolved transcriptomics, we revealed the transcriptional control of photosynthesis and carbon metabolism in P. tricornutum responding to HL, which could be reversed more or less during the HLR stage. Furthermore, we highlighted key enzymes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis and lipid metabolism of P. tricornutum and identified monooxygenases putatively responsible for catalyzing the ketolation step towards fucoxanthin synthesis from neoxanthin. CONCLUSIONS The detailed profiling of physiochemical and transcriptional responses of P. tricornutum to HL-HLR treatments advances our understanding on the adaption of the alga to illumination transitions and provides new insights into engineering of the alga for improved production of value-added carotenoids and lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ding
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Ying Ye
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Lihua Yu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Meijing Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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19
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Liu M, Ding W, Pan Y, Hu H, Liu J. Zeaxanthin epoxidase is involved in the carotenoid biosynthesis and light-dependent growth of the marine alga Nannochloropsis oceanica. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:74. [PMID: 37138328 PMCID: PMC10157934 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02326-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The marine alga Nannochloropsis oceanica, an emerging model belonging to Heterokont, is considered as a promising light-driven eukaryotic chassis for transforming carbon dioxide to various compounds including carotenoids. Nevertheless, the carotenogenic genes and their roles in the alga remain less understood and to be further explored. RESULTS Here, two phylogenetically distant zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) genes from N. oceanica (NoZEP1 and NoZEP2) were functionally characterized. Subcellular localization experiment demonstrated that both NoZEP1 and NoZEP2 reside in the chloroplast yet with differential distribution patterns. Overexpression of NoZEP1 or NoZEP2 led to increases of violaxanthin and its downstream carotenoids at the expense of zeaxanthin in N. oceanica, with the extent of changes mediated by NoZEP1 overexpression being greater as compared to NoZEP2 overexpression. Suppression of NoZEP1 or NoZEP2, on the other hand, caused decreases of violaxanthin and its downstream carotenoids as well as increases of zeaxanthin; similarly, the extent of changes mediated by NoZEP1 suppression was larger than that by NoZEP2 suppression. Interestingly, chlorophyll a dropped following violaxanthin decrease in a well-correlated manner in response to NoZEP suppression. The thylakoid membrane lipids including monogalactosyldiacylglycerol also correlated with the violaxanthin decreases. Accordingly, NoZEP1 suppression resulted in more attenuated algal growth than NoZEP2 suppression did under either normal light or high light stage. CONCLUSIONS The results together support that both NoZEP1 and NoZEP2, localized in the chloroplast, have overlapping roles in epoxidating zeaxanthin to violaxanthin for the light-dependent growth, yet with NoZEP1 being more functional than NoZEP2 in N. oceanica. Our study provides implications into the understanding of carotenoid biosynthesis and future manipulation of N. oceanica for carotenoid production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijing Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Wei Ding
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Yufang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 China
| | - Hanhua Hu
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 China
| | - Jin Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
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20
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Kolackova M, Janova A, Dobesova M, Zvalova M, Chaloupsky P, Krystofova O, Adam V, Huska D. Role of secondary metabolites in distressed microalgae. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 224:115392. [PMID: 36746204 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Proficient photosynthetic microalgae/cyanobacteria produce a remarkable amount of various biomolecules. Secondary metabolites (SM) represent high value products for global biotrend application. Production improvement can be achieved by nutritional, environmental, and physiological stress as a first line tools for their stimulation. In recent decade, an increasing interest in algal stress biology and omics techniques have deepened knowledge in this area. However, deep understanding and connection of specific stress elucidator are missing. Hence, the present review summarizes recent evidence with an emphasis on the carotenoids, phenolic, and less-discussed compounds (glycerol, proline, mycosporins-like amino acids). Even when they are synthesized at very low concentrations, it highlights the need to expand knowledge in this area using genome-editing tools and omics approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Kolackova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Janova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Dobesova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Zvalova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Chaloupsky
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Krystofova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Huska
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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21
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Kan C, Zhao Y, Sun KM, Tang X, Zhao Y. The inhibition and recovery mechanisms of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum in response to high light stress - A study combining physiological and transcriptional analysis. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2023; 59:418-431. [PMID: 36798977 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
By combining physiological/biochemical and transcriptional analysis, the inhibition and recovery mechanisms of Phaeodactylum tricornutum in response to extreme high light stress (1300 μmol photons · m-2 · s-1 ) were elucidated. The population growth was inhibited in the first 24 h and started to recover from 48 h. At 24 h, photoinhibition was exhibited as the changes of PSII photosynthetic parameters and decrease in cellular pigments, corresponding to the downregulation of genes encoding light-harvesting complex and pigments synthesis. Changes in those photosynthetic parameters and genes were kept until 96 h, indicating that the decrease of light absorption abilities might be one strategy for photoacclimation. In the meanwhile, we observed elevated cellular ROS levels, dead cells proportions, and upregulation of genes encoding antioxidant materials and proteasome pathway at 24 h. Those stress-related parameters and genes recovered to the controls at 96 h, indicating a stable intracellular environment after photoacclimation. Finally, genes involving carbon metabolisms were upregulated from 24 to 96 h, which ensured the energy supply for keeping high base and nucleotide excision repair abilities, leading to the recovery of cell cycle progression. We concluded that P. tricornutum could overcome photoinhibition by decreasing light-harvesting abilities, enhancing carbon metabolisms, activating anti-oxidative functions, and elevating repair abilities. The parameters of light harvesting, carbon metabolisms, and repair processes were responsible for the recovery phase, which could be considered long-term adaptive strategies for diatoms under high light stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxiang Kan
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Department of Marine Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yirong Zhao
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Department of Marine Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Kai-Ming Sun
- Institute of Oceanographic Instrumentation, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Qingdao, China
| | - Xuexi Tang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Department of Marine Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Department of Marine Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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22
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Agarwal A, Levitan O, Cruz de Carvalho H, Falkowski PG. Light-dependent signal transduction in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2216286120. [PMID: 36897974 PMCID: PMC10089185 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2216286120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike most higher plants, unicellular algae can acclimate to changes in irradiance on time scales of hours to a few days. The process involves an enigmatic signaling pathway originating in the plastid that leads to coordinated changes in plastid and nuclear gene expression. To deepen our understanding of this process, we conducted functional studies to examine how the model diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, acclimates to low light and sought to identify the molecules responsible for the phenomenon. We show that two transformants with altered expression of two putative signal transduction molecules, a light-specific soluble kinase and a plastid transmembrane protein, that appears to be regulated by a long noncoding natural antisense transcript, arising from the opposite strand, are physiologically incapable of photoacclimation. Based on these results, we propose a working model of the retrograde feedback in the signaling and regulation of photoacclimation in a marine diatom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Agarwal
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ08901
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ08901
| | - Orly Levitan
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ08901
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ08901
| | - Helena Cruz de Carvalho
- Institut de Biologie de l’ENS, Ecole normale supérieure, CNRS, Inserm, Université Paris Sciences & Letters, Paris75005, France
- Faculté des Sciences et Technologie, Université Paris Est-Créteil94000Créteil, France
| | - Paul G. Falkowski
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ08901
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ08854
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23
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Zarekarizi A, Hoffmann L, Burritt DJ. The potential of manipulating light in the commercial production of carotenoids from algae. ALGAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.103047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
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24
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Advances in Genetic Engineering in Improving Photosynthesis and Microalgal Productivity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031898. [PMID: 36768215 PMCID: PMC9915242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though sunlight energy far outweighs the energy required by human activities, its utilization is a key goal in the field of renewable energies. Microalgae have emerged as a promising new and sustainable feedstock for meeting rising food and feed demand. Because traditional methods of microalgal improvement are likely to have reached their limits, genetic engineering is expected to allow for further increases in the photosynthesis and productivity of microalgae. Understanding the mechanisms that control photosynthesis will enable researchers to identify targets for genetic engineering and, in the end, increase biomass yield, offsetting the costs of cultivation systems and downstream biomass processing. This review describes the molecular events that happen during photosynthesis and microalgal productivity through genetic engineering and discusses future strategies and the limitations of genetic engineering in microalgal productivity. We highlight the major achievements in manipulating the fundamental mechanisms of microalgal photosynthesis and biomass production, as well as promising approaches for making significant contributions to upcoming microalgal-based biotechnology.
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25
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Ashokkumar V, Flora G, Sevanan M, Sripriya R, Chen WH, Park JH, Rajesh Banu J, Kumar G. Technological advances in the production of carotenoids and their applications- A critical review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 367:128215. [PMID: 36332858 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments that are widely distributed in algae, fungi, bacteria, and plants. Carotenoids play a significant role in the food, feed, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. These pigments are effectively considered as a health-promoting compounds, which are widely used in our daily diet to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, acute lung injury, cataracts, neural disorders, etc. In this context, this review paper demonstrates the synthesis of carotenoids and their potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, the demand for carotenoid production is increasing overtime, and the extraction and production are expensive and technically challenging. The recent developments in carotenoid biosynthesis, and key challenges, bottlenecks, and future perspectives were also discussed to enhance the circular bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veeramuthu Ashokkumar
- Biorefineries for Biofuels & Bioproducts Laboratory (BBBL), Center for Trandisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, SDC, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - G Flora
- Department of Botany, St. Mary's College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Murugan Sevanan
- Department of Biotechnology, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences (Deemed to be University), Combatore, India
| | - R Sripriya
- Department of Zoology, St. Mary's College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, India
| | - W H Chen
- Department Aeronautical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jeong-Hoon Park
- Sustainable Technology and Wellness R&D Group, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do 63243, South Korea
| | - J Rajesh Banu
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, 610005, India
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea.
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26
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Light-response in two clonal strains of the haptophyte Tisochrysis lutea: Evidence for different photoprotection strategies. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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