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Hong Y, Wei R, Li C, Cai H, Chen E, Pan X, Zhang W. Establishment of virus-induced gene-silencing system in Juglans sigillata Dode and functional analysis of JsFLS2 and JsFLS4. Gene 2024; 913:148385. [PMID: 38493973 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148385] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Juglans sigillata Dode is one of the important tree species in southwest China, and it has significant economic and ecological value. However, there is still a lack of effective methods to identify the functional genes of J. sigillata. By verifying the model plant tobacco, the pTRV2::JsPDS vector was able to cause photobleaching. This study showed that photobleaching occurred 24 and 30 d after the silencing vector was infected with aseptic seedlings and fruits of J. sigillata, respectively. When the OD600 was 0.6, and the injection dose was 500 μL, the gene silencing efficiency of aseptic seedlings was the highest at 16.7 %, significantly better than other treatments. Moreover, when the OD600 was 0.8, and the injection dose was 500 μL, the gene silencing efficiency in the walnut fruit was the highest (20 %). In addition, the VIGS system was successfully used to silence JsFLS2 and JsFLS4 genes in J. sigillata. This study also showed that the flavonol content and gene expression in the treatment group were decreased compared to the control group. In addition, the proteins transcribed and translated from the JsFLS4 gene may have higher catalytic activity for dihydroquercetin. The above results indicate that the TRV-mediated VIGS system can be an ideal tool for studying J. sigillata gene function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyang Hong
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Rong Wei
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Hu Cai
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Erjuan Chen
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Xuejun Pan
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Guizhou Engineering Research Center for Fruit Crops, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China.
| | - Wen'e Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Jiaxiu South Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China.
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2
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Debnath T, Bandyopadhyay TK, Vanitha K, Bobby MN, Nath Tiwari O, Bhunia B, Muthuraj M. Astaxanthin from microalgae: A review on structure, biosynthesis, production strategies and application. Food Res Int 2024; 176:113841. [PMID: 38163732 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113841] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Astaxanthin is a red-colored secondary metabolite with excellent antioxidant properties, typically finds application as foods, feed, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and medications. Astaxanthin is usually produced synthetically using chemicals and costs less as compared to the natural astaxanthin obtained from fish, shrimps, and microorganisms. Over the decades, astaxanthin has been naturally synthesized from Haematococcus pluvialis in commercial scales and remains exceptional, attributed to its higher bioactive properties as compared to synthetic astaxanthin. However, the production cost of algal astaxanthin is still high due to several bottlenecks prevailing in the upstream and downstream processes. To that end, the present study intends to review the recent trends and advancements in astaxanthin production from microalgae. The structure of astaxanthin, sources, production strategies of microalgal astaxanthin, and factors influencing the synthesis of microalgal astaxanthin were discussed while detailing the pathway involved in astaxanthin biosynthesis. The study also discusses the relevant downstream process used in commercial scales and details the applications of astaxanthin in various health related issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taniya Debnath
- Bioproducts Processing Research Laboratory (BPRL), Department of Bio Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Agartala, 799046, India
| | | | - Kondi Vanitha
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Vishnu Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Narsapur, Medak, Telangana, India
| | - Md Nazneen Bobby
- Department of Biotechnology, Vignan's Foundation for Science Technology and Research, Guntur 522213, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Onkar Nath Tiwari
- Centre for Conservation and Utilization of Blue Green Algae, Division of Microbiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR), New Delhi 110012, India.
| | - Biswanath Bhunia
- Bioproducts Processing Research Laboratory (BPRL), Department of Bio Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Agartala, 799046, India.
| | - Muthusivaramapandian Muthuraj
- Bioproducts Processing Research Laboratory (BPRL), Department of Bio Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Agartala, 799046, India; Department of Bio Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Agartala-799046, India.
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3
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Sun Y, Xin Y, Zhang L, Wang Y, Liu R, Li X, Zhou C, Zhang L, Han J. Enhancement of violaxanthin accumulation in Nannochloropsis oceanica by overexpressing a carotenoid isomerase gene from Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:942883. [PMID: 36118188 PMCID: PMC9471142 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.942883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nannochloropsis has been considered as a promising feedstock for the industrial production of violaxanthin. However, a rational breeding strategy for the enhancement of violaxanthin content in this microalga is still vacant, thereby limiting its industrial application. All-trans-lycopene locates in the first branch point of carotenogenesis. The carotenoid isomerase (CRTISO), catalyzing the lycopene formation, is thus regarded as a key enzyme for carotenogenesis. Phaeodactylum tricornutum can accumulate high-level carotenoids under optimal conditions. Therefore, it is feasible to improve violaxanthin level in Nannochloropsis by overexpression of PtCRTISO. Protein targeting analysis of seven PtCRTISO candidates (PtCRTISO1–6 and PtCRTISO-like) demonstrated that PtCRTISO4 was most likely the carotenoid isomerase of P. tricornutum. Moreover, the transcriptional pattern of PtCRTISO4 at different cultivation periods was quite similar to other known carotenogenesis genes. Thus, PtCRTISO4 was transformed into N. oceanica. Compared to the wild type (WT), all three transgenic lines (T1–T3) of N. oceanica exhibited higher levels of total carotenoid and violaxanthin. Notably, T3 exhibited the peak violaxanthin content of 4.48 mg g–1 dry cell weight (DCW), which was 1.68-folds higher than WT. Interestingly, qRT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results demonstrated that phytoene synthase (NoPSY) rather than ζ-carotene desaturase (NoZDS) and lycopene β-cyclase (NoLCYB) exhibited the highest upregulation, suggesting that PtCRTISO4 played an additional regulatory role in terms of carotenoid accumulation. Moreover, PtCRTISO4 overexpression increased C18:1n-9 but decreased C16:1n-7, implying that C18:1 may serve as a main feedstock for xanthophyll esterification in Nannochloropsis. Our results will provide valuable information for the violaxanthin production from Nannochloropsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Sun
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yi Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, College of Oceanology, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chengxu Zhou
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education of China, School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Zhang,
| | - Jichang Han
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Jichang Han,
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Zhang Y, Ye Y, Bai F, Liu J. The oleaginous astaxanthin-producing alga Chromochloris zofingiensis: potential from production to an emerging model for studying lipid metabolism and carotenogenesis. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2021; 14:119. [PMID: 33992124 PMCID: PMC8126118 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-021-01969-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The algal lipids-based biodiesel, albeit having advantages over plant oils, still remains high in the production cost. Co-production of value-added products with lipids has the potential to add benefits and is thus believed to be a promising strategy to improve the production economics of algal biodiesel. Chromochloris zofingiensis, a unicellular green alga, has been considered as a promising feedstock for biodiesel production because of its robust growth and ability of accumulating high levels of triacylglycerol under multiple trophic conditions. This alga is also able to synthesize high-value keto-carotenoids and has been cited as a candidate producer of astaxanthin, the strongest antioxidant found in nature. The concurrent accumulation of triacylglycerol and astaxanthin enables C. zofingiensis an ideal cell factory for integrated production of the two compounds and has potential to improve algae-based production economics. Furthermore, with the advent of chromosome-level whole genome sequence and genetic tools, C. zofingiensis becomes an emerging model for studying lipid metabolism and carotenogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the production of triacylglycerol and astaxanthin by C. zofingiensis. We also update our understanding in the distinctive molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism and carotenogenesis, with an emphasis on triacylglycerol and astaxanthin biosynthesis and crosstalk between the two pathways. Furthermore, strategies for trait improvements are discussed regarding triacylglycerol and astaxanthin synthesis in C. zofingiensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology and Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Ying Ye
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology and Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Fan Bai
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology and Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology and Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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5
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Astaxanthin as a microalgal metabolite for aquaculture: A review on the synthetic mechanisms, production techniques, and practical application. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2020.102178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Integrative analysis of gene expression and alternative splicing in microalgae grown under heterotrophic condition. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234710. [PMID: 32555718 PMCID: PMC7299362 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterotrophic cultures are the most effective approach to overcome low growth rate challenge in the most commercial microalgae. However, the mechanism through which heterotrophic condition regulates algae metabolism are not completely clear. Alternative Splicing (AS) is a common posttranscriptional process by which transcriptome and proteome plasticity increases at different environmental conditions. To identify and characterize of AS events in Auxenochlorella protothecoides microalga grown in autotrophic and heterotrophic, RNA-Seq data were analysed. We found that AS increased with the transition from autotrophic to heterotrophic condition. 705 and 660 differentially expressed (DEG) and spliced (DAS) genes were identified for A.protothecoides was transferred from autotrophic to heterotrophic condition, respectively. Moreover, there was slight coverage between DEG and DAS genes. Furthermore, functional analysis showed that the DAS genes are most frequently related to ion binding and stimulus response. The results also indicated that prevalence of Intron retention is associated with down-regulation of the genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis. This study provides valuable insights into transcriptional and posttranscriptional plasticity of microalgae during growth mode change.
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7
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Sun B, Jiang M, Liang S, Zheng H, Chen Q, Wang Y, Lin YX, Liu ZJ, Wang XR, Zhang F, Tang HR. Functional differences of BaPDS1 and BaPDS2 genes in Chinese kale. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:190260. [PMID: 31417731 PMCID: PMC6689629 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This study presents a systematic analysis of the functional differences between two genes that encode phytoene desaturase (PDS) in Chinese kale. The promoter sequences of both BaPDS1 and BaPDS2 were amplified and cloned, and their lengths were 2005 bp and 2000 bp, respectively. The mining of cis-acting elements in the promoters showed that the two BaPDS genes are mainly associated with light and phytohormone responsiveness. Light quality, light intensity and plant hormone treatments were conducted in seedlings of Chinese kale, and the results indicated that the response of the two genes to different factors differed. Among them, BaPDSs collectively respond to the treatment with salicylic acid and abscisic acid. With regard to response differences, BaPDS1 is sensitive to red and blue light, blue light, and strong light, while BaPDS2 responds to blue light, weak light, darkness, gibberellin and methyl jasmonate. In addition, both BaPDS1 and BaPDS2 are likely targeted to the chloroplast. Furthermore, single and double mutants of BaPDSs were generated via CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Phenotypic analysis showed that the double mutant with edited PDS1 and PDS2 was a pure albino, while the single mutants with edited PDS1 or PDS2 were partly whitened. In summary, BaPDS1 and BaPDS2 genes played different and indispensable roles in Chinese kale, and their functions were partially complementary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Jiang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Liang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zheng
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Chen
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-xiu Lin
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze-Jing Liu
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Rong Wang
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Fen Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
- Authors for correspondence: Fen Zhang e-mail:
| | - Hao-Ru Tang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
- Authors for correspondence: Hao-Ru Tang e-mail:
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Taparia Y, Zarka A, Leu S, Zarivach R, Boussiba S, Khozin-Goldberg I. A novel endogenous selection marker for the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum based on a unique mutation in phytoene desaturase 1. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8217. [PMID: 31160749 PMCID: PMC6546710 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44710-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a well-developed model diatom for both marine ecology and microalgal biotechnology, which has been enabled by the sequenced genome and the availability of gene delivery tools, such as biolistic transformation and E. coli-mediated conjugation. Till now, these tools have mainly relied on two selectable markers of bacterial origin which confer resistance to antibiotics Zeocin and nourseothricin. An alternative cost-effective and preferably endogenous selectable marker would facilitate gene stacking efforts through successive transformation or conjugation. We performed UV-mutagenesis of P. tricornutum to obtain mutations in the phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene, conferring resistance to the bleaching herbicide norflurazon. Two mutants displaying high tolerance to norflurazon and carrying unique mutations in PtPDS1 (PHATRDRAFT_45735) were selected. These mutants revealed novel point mutations at a conserved residue Gly290 to Ser/Arg. Homology-based structural modeling of mutated PDS1, over a resolved crystallographic model of rice PDS1 complexed with norflurazon, suggests steric hindrance by bulkier residue substitution may confer herbicide resistance. We report the characterization of PtPDS1 mutants and the development of the first endogenous selectable marker in diatoms suitable for industrial strain development, with the added benefit of biocontainment. The plasmid carrying the mutated PDS1 as a selection marker and eGFP as a reporter was created. An optimized biolistic transformation system is reported which allowed the isolation of positive transgenic events at the rate of 96.7%. Additionally, the ease of in vivo UV-mutagenesis may be employed as a strategy to create PDS-norflurazon-based selectable markers for other diatoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Taparia
- Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture & Biotechnology of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, 8499000, Israel
| | - Aliza Zarka
- Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture & Biotechnology of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, 8499000, Israel
| | - Stefan Leu
- Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture & Biotechnology of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, 8499000, Israel
| | - Raz Zarivach
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Sammy Boussiba
- Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture & Biotechnology of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, 8499000, Israel
| | - Inna Khozin-Goldberg
- Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture & Biotechnology of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, 8499000, Israel.
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9
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Molina-Márquez A, Vila M, Vigara J, Borrero A, León R. The Bacterial Phytoene Desaturase-Encoding Gene ( CRTI) is an Efficient Selectable Marker for the Genetic Transformation of Eukaryotic Microalgae. Metabolites 2019; 9:E49. [PMID: 30871061 PMCID: PMC6468381 DOI: 10.3390/metabo9030049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic manipulation shows great promise to further boost the productivity of microalgae-based compounds. However, selection of microalgal transformants depends mainly on the use of antibiotics, which have raised concerns about their potential impacts on human health and the environment. We propose the use of a synthetic phytoene desaturase-encoding gene (CRTIop) as a selectable marker and the bleaching herbicide norflurazon as a selective agent for the genetic transformation of microalgae. Bacterial phytoene desaturase (CRTI), which, unlike plant and algae phytoene desaturase (PDS), is not sensitive to norflurazon, catalyzes the conversion of the colorless carotenoid phytoene into lycopene. Although the expression of CRTI has been described to increase the carotenoid content in plant cells, its use as a selectable marker has never been testedin algae or in plants. In this study, a version of the CRTI gene adapted to the codon usage of Chlamydomonas has been synthesized, and its suitability to be used as selectable marker has been shown. The microalgae were transformed by the glass bead agitation method and selected in the presence of norflurazon. Average transformation efficiencies of 550 colonies µg-1 DNA were obtained. All the transformants tested had incorporated the CRTIop gene in their genomes and were able to synthesize colored carotenoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Molina-Márquez
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Marine International Campus of Excellence (CEIMAR), University of Huelva, 2110 Huelva, Spain.
| | - Marta Vila
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Marine International Campus of Excellence (CEIMAR), University of Huelva, 2110 Huelva, Spain.
- PhycoGenetics SL, C/Joan Miró Nº6, Aljaraque, 21110 Huelva, Spain.
| | - Javier Vigara
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Marine International Campus of Excellence (CEIMAR), University of Huelva, 2110 Huelva, Spain.
| | - Ana Borrero
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Marine International Campus of Excellence (CEIMAR), University of Huelva, 2110 Huelva, Spain.
| | - Rosa León
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Marine International Campus of Excellence (CEIMAR), University of Huelva, 2110 Huelva, Spain.
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Kato S, Tanno Y, Takaichi S, Shinomura T. Low Temperature Stress Alters the Expression of Phytoene Desaturase Genes (crtP1 and crtP2) and the ζ-Carotene Desaturase Gene (crtQ) Together with the Cellular Carotenoid Content of Euglena gracilis. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 60:274-284. [PMID: 30346581 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcy208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids participate in photosynthesis and photoprotection in oxygenic phototrophs. Euglena gracilis, a eukaryotic phytoflagellate, synthesizes several carotenoids: β-carotene, neoxanthin, diadinoxanthin and diatoxanthin. Temperature is one of the most striking external stimuli altering carotenoid production. In the present study, to elucidate the regulation of carotenoid synthesis of E. gracilis in response to environmental stimuli, we functionally identified phytoene desaturase genes (crtP1 and crtP2) and the ζ-carotene desaturase gene (crtQ) of this alga and analyzed expression of those genes and the composition of major carotenoids in cells grown under cold (20�C) and high-intensity light (HL; 240 �mol photon m-2 s-1) conditions. 20�C-HL treatment increased the transcriptional level of the phytoene synthase gene (crtB), and crtP1 and crtP2, whose products catalyze the early steps of carotenoid biosynthesis in this alga. Cultivation at 20�C under illumination at 55 �mol photon m-2 s-1 (low-intensity light; LL) decreased the cell concentration, Chl and total major carotenoid content by 61, 75 and 50%, respectively, relative to control (25�C-LL) cells. When grown at 20�C-HL, the cells showed a greater decrease in cell concentration and photosynthetic pigment contents than those in 20�C-LL. β-Carotene, neoxanthin and diadinoxanthin contents were decreased by more than half in 20�C-LL and 20�C-HL treatments. On the other hand, when subjected to 20�C-LL and 20�C-HL, the cells retained a diatoxanthin content comparable with control cells. Our findings suggested that diatoxanthin plays crucial roles in the acclimation to cold and intense light condition. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a photosynthetic organism possessing dual crtP genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Kato
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yuri Tanno
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Division of Integrated Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University Graduate Schools, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takaichi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shinomura
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Division of Integrated Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University Graduate Schools, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
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11
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Zhang Y, Shi M, Mao X, Kou Y, Liu J. Time-resolved carotenoid profiling and transcriptomic analysis reveal mechanism of carotenogenesis for astaxanthin synthesis in the oleaginous green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2019; 12:287. [PMID: 31890015 PMCID: PMC6913025 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-019-1626-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromochloris zofingiensis is emerging as an industrially relevant alga given its robust growth for the production of lipids and astaxanthin, a value-added carotenoid with broad applications. Nevertheless, poor understanding of astaxanthin synthesis has limited engineering of this alga for rational improvements. RESULTS To reveal the molecular mechanism underlying astaxanthin accumulation in C. zofingiensis, here we conducted an integrated analysis by combining the time-resolved transcriptomes and carotenoid profiling in response to nitrogen deprivation (ND). A global response was triggered for C. zofingiensis to cope with the ND stress. Albeit the little variation in total carotenoid content, individual carotenoids responded differentially to ND: the primary carotenoids particularly lutein and β-carotene decreased, while the secondary carotenoids increased considerably, with astaxanthin and canthaxanthin being the most increased ones. The carotenogenesis pathways were reconstructed: ND had little effect on the carbon flux to carotenoid precursors, but stimulated astaxanthin biosynthesis while repressing lutein biosynthesis, thereby diverting the carotenoid flux from primary carotenoids to secondary carotenoids particularly astaxanthin. Comparison between C. zofingiensis and Haematococcus pluvialis revealed the distinctive mechanism of astaxanthin synthesis in C. zofingiensis. Furthermore, potential bottlenecks in astaxanthin synthesis were identified and possible engineering strategies were proposed for the alga. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these findings shed light on distinctive mechanism of carotenogenesis for astaxanthin biosynthesis in C. zofingiensis, identify key functional enzymes and regulators with engineering potential and will benefit rational manipulation of this alga for improving nutritional traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Meicheng Shi
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Xuemei Mao
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Yaping Kou
- 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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12
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He Y, Ma Y, Du Y, Shen S. Differential gene expression for carotenoid biosynthesis in a green alga Ulva prolifera based on transcriptome analysis. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:916. [PMID: 30545298 PMCID: PMC6293516 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotenoids are widely distributed in plants and algae, and their biosynthesis has attracted widespread interest. Carotenoid-related research has mostly focused on model species, and there is a lack of data on the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in U. prolifera that is the main species leading to green tide, a harmful plague of floating green algae. RESULTS The carotenoid content of U. prolifera samples, that is the main species leading to green tide, a harmful plague of floating green algae at different temperatures revealed that its terpenoid was highest in the samples subjected to high temperature at 28 °C (H), followed by the samples subjected to low temperature at 12 °C (L). Its terpenoid was lowest in the samples subjected to medium temperature at 20 °C (M). We conducted transcriptome sequencing (148.5 million raw reads and 49,676 unigenes in total) of samples that were subjected to different temperatures to study the carotenoid biosynthesis of U. prolifera. There were 1125-3164 significant differentially expressed genes between L, M and H incubation temperatures, of which 11-672 genes were upregulated and 453-3102 genes were downregulated. A total of 3164 genes were significantly differentially expressed between H and M, of which 62 genes were upregulated and 3102 genes were downregulated. A total of 2669 significant differentially expressed genes were observed between L and H, of which 11 genes were upregulated and 2658 genes were downregulated. A total of 13 genes were identified to be involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in U. prolifera, and the expression levels of the majority were highest at H and lowest at M of incubation temperature. Both the carotenoid concentrations and the expression of the analysed genes were lowest in the normal temperature group, while low temperature and high temperature seemed to activate the biosynthesis of carotenoids in U. prolifera. CONCLUSIONS In this study, transcriptome sequencing provided critical information for understanding the accumulation of carotenoids and will serve as an important reference for the study of other metabolic pathways in U. prolifera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan He
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, No. 199 Renai Road, SIP, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Yafeng Ma
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, No. 199 Renai Road, SIP, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Yu Du
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, No. 199 Renai Road, SIP, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Songdong Shen
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, No. 199 Renai Road, SIP, Suzhou, 215123 China
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Poliner E, Farré EM, Benning C. Advanced genetic tools enable synthetic biology in the oleaginous microalgae Nannochloropsis sp. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2018; 37:1383-1399. [PMID: 29511798 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-018-2270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Nannochloropsis is a genus of fast-growing microalgae that are regularly used for biotechnology applications. Nannochloropsis species have a high triacylglycerol content and their polar lipids are rich in the omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid. Placed in the heterokont lineage, the Nannochloropsis genus has a complex evolutionary history. Genome sequences are available for several species, and a number of transcriptomic datasets have been produced, making this genus a facile model for comparative genomics. There is a growing interest in Nannochloropsis species as models for the study of microalga lipid metabolism and as a chassis for synthetic biology. Recently, techniques for gene stacking, and targeted gene disruption and repression in the Nannochloropsis genus have been developed. These tools enable gene-specific, mechanistic studies and have already allowed the engineering of improved Nannochloropsis strains with superior growth, or greater bioproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Poliner
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Eva M Farré
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Christoph Benning
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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Dang HT, Malone JM, Boutsalis P, Gill G, Preston C. The mechanism of diflufenican resistance and its inheritance in oriental mustard (Sisymbrium orientale L.) from Australia. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2018; 74:1279-1285. [PMID: 29330913 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An oriental mustard population (P3) collected near Quambatook, Victoria was identified as being resistant to diflufenican by screening with the field rate (200 g a.i. ha-1 ) of the herbicide. The mechanism(s) of diflufenican resistance and its inheritance in this population were therefore investigated. RESULTS Dose-response experiments confirmed that population P3 was 140-fold more resistant to diflufenican than susceptible populations, as determined by the comparison of 50% lethal (LD50 ) values. The phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene from five individuals each of the S1 [susceptible (S)] and P3 [resistant (R)] populations was sequenced, and a substitution of valine for leucine at position 526 (Leu-526-Val) was detected in all five individuals of P3, but not in the S1 population. Inheritance studies showed that diflufenican resistance is encoded in the nuclear genome and is dominant, as the response to diflufenican at 200 g a.i. ha-1 of F1 families was equivalent to that of the resistant biotype. The segregation of F2 phenotypes fitted a 3:1 inheritance model. Segregation of 42 F2 individuals by genotype sequencing fitted a 1:2:1 (ss:Rs:RR) ratio. CONCLUSION Resistance to diflufenican in oriental mustard is conferred by the Leu-526-Val mutation in the PDS gene. Inheritance of resistance is managed by a single gene with high levels of dominance. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue Thi Dang
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jenna Moira Malone
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Boutsalis
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gurjeet Gill
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher Preston
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, PMB1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
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15
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Mao X, Wu T, Sun D, Zhang Z, Chen F. Differential responses of the green microalga Chlorella zofingiensis to the starvation of various nutrients for oil and astaxanthin production. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 249:791-798. [PMID: 29136934 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.10.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Chlorella zofingiensis has been proposed as a potential producer of lipids and the high-value carotenoid astaxanthin. In this study, the responses of photoautotrophic C. zofingiensis with respect to growth, lipid profiles and astaxanthin accumulation were investigated upon the starvation of N (NS), P (PS) and S (SS). NS and SS stimulated triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation, which reached 27% and 21% of dry weight (DW), respectively. Stresses also stimulated astaxanthin accumulation greatly, reaching 3.9 mg/g DW by NS. SS led to the highest TAG productivity (52.4 mg L-1 d-1) while NS gave rise to the highest astaxanthin productivity (0.624 mg L-1 d-1). In combination with transcriptional analysis, a working model for stress-associated TAG and astaxanthin biosynthesis was proposed. Taken together, these detailed data shed light on the elucidation of differential responses to nutrient stresses and may provide insights into future engineering of this promising alga for improving TAG and astaxanthin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Mao
- Institute for Food and Bioresource Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Institute for Food and Bioresource Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Dongzhe Sun
- Institute for Food and Bioresource Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Institute for Food and Bioresource Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Institute for Food and Bioresource Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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16
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Koschmieder J, Fehling-Kaschek M, Schaub P, Ghisla S, Brausemann A, Timmer J, Beyer P. Plant-type phytoene desaturase: Functional evaluation of structural implications. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187628. [PMID: 29176862 PMCID: PMC5703498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytoene desaturase (PDS) is an essential plant carotenoid biosynthetic enzyme and a prominent target of certain inhibitors, such as norflurazon, acting as bleaching herbicides. PDS catalyzes the introduction of two double bonds into 15-cis-phytoene, yielding 9,15,9'-tri-cis-ζ-carotene via the intermediate 9,15-di-cis-phytofluene. We present the necessary data to scrutinize functional implications inferred from the recently resolved crystal structure of Oryza sativa PDS in a complex with norflurazon. Using dynamic mathematical modeling of reaction time courses, we support the relevance of homotetrameric assembly of the enzyme observed in crystallo by providing evidence for substrate channeling of the intermediate phytofluene between individual subunits at membrane surfaces. Kinetic investigations are compatible with an ordered ping-pong bi-bi kinetic mechanism in which the carotene and the quinone electron acceptor successively occupy the same catalytic site. The mutagenesis of a conserved arginine that forms a hydrogen bond with norflurazon, the latter competing with plastoquinone, corroborates the possibility of engineering herbicide resistance, however, at the expense of diminished catalytic activity. This mutagenesis also supports a "flavin only" mechanism of carotene desaturation not requiring charged residues in the active site. Evidence for the role of the central 15-cis double bond of phytoene in determining regio-specificity of carotene desaturation is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patrick Schaub
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandro Ghisla
- University of Konstanz, Department of Biology, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anton Brausemann
- University of Freiburg, Institute for Biochemistry, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Timmer
- University of Freiburg, Department of Physics, Freiburg, Germany
- University of Freiburg, BIOSS Center for Biological Signaling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (PB); (JT)
| | - Peter Beyer
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Freiburg, Germany
- University of Freiburg, BIOSS Center for Biological Signaling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (PB); (JT)
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17
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Huang JJ, Lin S, Xu W, Cheung PCK. Occurrence and biosynthesis of carotenoids in phytoplankton. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:597-618. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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18
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Brausemann A, Gemmecker S, Koschmieder J, Ghisla S, Beyer P, Einsle O. Structure of Phytoene Desaturase Provides Insights into Herbicide Binding and Reaction Mechanisms Involved in Carotene Desaturation. Structure 2017; 25:1222-1232.e3. [PMID: 28669634 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria and plants synthesize carotenoids via a poly-cis pathway starting with phytoene, a membrane-bound C40 hydrocarbon. Phytoene desaturase (PDS) introduces two double bonds and concomitantly isomerizes two neighboring double bonds from trans to cis. PDS assembles into homo-tetramers that interact monotopically with membranes. A long hydrophobic tunnel is proposed to function in the sequential binding of phytoene and the electron acceptor plastoquinone. The herbicidal inhibitor norflurazon binds at a plastoquinone site thereby blocking reoxidation of FADred. Comparison with the sequence-dissimilar bacterial carotene desaturase CRTI reveals substantial similarities in the overall protein fold, defining both as members of the GR2 family of flavoproteins. However, the PDS active center architecture is unprecedented: no functional groups are found in the immediate flavin vicinity that might participate in dehydrogenation and isomerization. This suggests that the isoalloxazine moiety is sufficient for catalysis. Despite mechanistic differences, an ancient evolutionary relation of PDS and CRTI is apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Brausemann
- Institute for Biochemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstrasse 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Gemmecker
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Koschmieder
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandro Ghisla
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Peter Beyer
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Oliver Einsle
- Institute for Biochemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstrasse 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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19
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Chromosome-level genome assembly and transcriptome of the green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis illuminates astaxanthin production. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E4296-E4305. [PMID: 28484037 PMCID: PMC5448231 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1619928114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Microalgae have potential to help meet energy and food demands without exacerbating environmental problems. There is interest in the unicellular green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis, because it produces lipids for biofuels and a highly valuable carotenoid nutraceutical, astaxanthin. To advance understanding of its biology and facilitate commercial development, we present a C. zofingiensis chromosome-level nuclear genome, organelle genomes, and transcriptome from diverse growth conditions. The assembly, derived from a combination of short- and long-read sequencing in conjunction with optical mapping, revealed a compact genome of ∼58 Mbp distributed over 19 chromosomes containing 15,274 predicted protein-coding genes. The genome has uniform gene density over chromosomes, low repetitive sequence content (∼6%), and a high fraction of protein-coding sequence (∼39%) with relatively long coding exons and few coding introns. Functional annotation of gene models identified orthologous families for the majority (∼73%) of genes. Synteny analysis uncovered localized but scrambled blocks of genes in putative orthologous relationships with other green algae. Two genes encoding beta-ketolase (BKT), the key enzyme synthesizing astaxanthin, were found in the genome, and both were up-regulated by high light. Isolation and molecular analysis of astaxanthin-deficient mutants showed that BKT1 is required for the production of astaxanthin. Moreover, the transcriptome under high light exposure revealed candidate genes that could be involved in critical yet missing steps of astaxanthin biosynthesis, including ABC transporters, cytochrome P450 enzymes, and an acyltransferase. The high-quality genome and transcriptome provide insight into the green algal lineage and carotenoid production.
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20
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Cisgenesis and intragenesis in microalgae: promising advancements towards sustainable metabolites production. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:10225-10235. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7948-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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21
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The crosstalk between astaxanthin, fatty acids and reactive oxygen species in heterotrophic Chlorella zofingiensis. ALGAL RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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22
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Huang W, Ye J, Zhang J, Lin Y, He M, Huang J. Transcriptome analysis of Chlorella zofingiensis to identify genes and their expressions involved in astaxanthin and triacylglycerol biosynthesis. ALGAL RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Abstract
Carotenoids are a class of isoprenoids synthesized by all photosynthetic organisms as well as by some non-photosynthetic bacteria and fungi with broad applications in food, feed and cosmetics, and also in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Microalgae represent an important source of high-value products, which include carotenoids, among others. Carotenoids play key roles in light harvesting and energy transfer during photosynthesis and in the protection of the photosynthetic apparatus against photooxidative damage. Carotenoids are generally divided into carotenes and xanthophyls, but accumulation in microalgae can also be classified as primary (essential for survival) and secondary (by exposure to specific stimuli).In this chapter, we outline the high value carotenoids produced by commercially important microalgae, their production pathways, the improved production rates that can be achieved by genetic engineering as well as their biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalia Henríquez
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso-Campus Curauma, Av. Universidad 330, Valparaíso, Chile.
| | - Carolina Escobar
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso-Campus Curauma, Av. Universidad 330, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Janeth Galarza
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso-Campus Curauma, Av. Universidad 330, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Javier Gimpel
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso-Campus Curauma, Av. Universidad 330, Valparaíso, Chile
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Doron L, Segal N, Shapira M. Transgene Expression in Microalgae-From Tools to Applications. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:505. [PMID: 27148328 PMCID: PMC4840263 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae comprise a biodiverse group of photosynthetic organisms that reside in water sources and sediments. The green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was adopted as a useful model organism for studying various physiological systems. Its ability to grow under both photosynthetic and heterotrophic conditions allows efficient growth of non-photosynthetic mutants, making Chlamydomonas a useful genetic tool to study photosynthesis. In addition, this green alga can grow as haploid or diploid cells, similar to yeast, providing a powerful genetic system. As a result, easy and efficient transformation systems have been developed for Chlamydomonas, targeting both the chloroplast and nuclear genomes. Since microalgae comprise a rich repertoire of species that offer variable advantages for biotech and biomed industries, gene transfer technologies were further developed for many microalgae to allow for the expression of foreign proteins of interest. Expressing foreign genes in the chloroplast enables the targeting of foreign DNA to specific sites by homologous recombination. Chloroplast transformation also allows for the introduction of genes encoding several enzymes from a complex pathway, possibly as an operon. Expressing foreign proteins in the chloroplast can also be achieved by introducing the target gene into the nuclear genome, with the protein product bearing a targeting signal that directs import of the transgene-product into the chloroplast, like other endogenous chloroplast proteins. Integration of foreign genes into the nuclear genome is mostly random, resulting in large variability between different clones, such that extensive screening is required. The use of different selection modalities is also described, with special emphasis on the use of herbicides and metabolic markers which are considered to be friendly to the environment, as compared to drug-resistance genes that are commonly used. Finally, despite the development of a wide range of transformation tools and approaches, expression of foreign genes in microalgae suffers from low efficiency. Thus, novel tools have appeared in recent years to deal with this problem. Finally, while C. reinhardtii was traditionally used as a model organism for the development of transformation systems and their subsequent improvement, similar technologies can be adapted for other microalgae that may have higher biotechnological value.
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25
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Tong S, Xi H, Ai K, Hou H. Cloning and expression analysis of UpPDS gene in Ulva pertusa. Genes Genomics 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-015-0365-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Li M, Cui Y, Gan Z, Shi C, Shi X. Isolation and Analysis of the Cppsy Gene and Promoter from Chlorella protothecoides CS-41. Mar Drugs 2015; 13:6620-35. [PMID: 26516871 PMCID: PMC4663545 DOI: 10.3390/md13116620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytoene synthase (PSY) catalyzes the condensation of two molecules of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate to form phytoene, the first colorless carotene in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. So it is regarded as the crucial enzyme for carotenoid production, and has unsurprisingly been involved in genetic engineering studies of carotenoid production. In this study, the psy gene from Chlorella protothecoides CS-41, designated Cppsy, was cloned using rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The full-length DNA was 2488 bp, and the corresponding cDNA was 1143 bp, which encoded 380 amino acids. Computational analysis suggested that this protein belongs to the Isoprenoid_Biosyn_C1 superfamily. It contained the consensus sequence, including three predicted substrate-Mg2+ binding sites. The Cppsy gene promoter was also cloned and characterized. Analysis revealed several candidate motifs for the promoter, which exhibited light- and methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-responsive characteristics, as well as some typical domains universally discovered in promoter sequences, such as the TATA-box and CAAT-box. Light- and MeJA treatment showed that the Cppsy expression level was significantly enhanced by light and MeJA. These results provide a basis for genetically modifying the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in C. protothecoides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiya Li
- MOST-USDA Joint Research Center for Food Safety, School of Agriculture and Biology, and State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
- Analytical Testing Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Yan Cui
- MOST-USDA Joint Research Center for Food Safety, School of Agriculture and Biology, and State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Zhibing Gan
- MOST-USDA Joint Research Center for Food Safety, School of Agriculture and Biology, and State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Chunlei Shi
- MOST-USDA Joint Research Center for Food Safety, School of Agriculture and Biology, and State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Xianming Shi
- MOST-USDA Joint Research Center for Food Safety, School of Agriculture and Biology, and State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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Liu J, Sun Z, Gerken H, Liu Z, Jiang Y, Chen F. Chlorella zofingiensis as an alternative microalgal producer of astaxanthin: biology and industrial potential. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:3487-515. [PMID: 24918452 PMCID: PMC4071588 DOI: 10.3390/md12063487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 05/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Astaxanthin (3,3'-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione), a high-value ketocarotenoid with a broad range of applications in food, feed, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries, has been gaining great attention from science and the public in recent years. The green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and Chlorella zofingiensis represent the most promising producers of natural astaxanthin. Although H. pluvialis possesses the highest intracellular astaxanthin content and is now believed to be a good producer of astaxanthin, it has intrinsic shortcomings such as slow growth rate, low biomass yield, and a high light requirement. In contrast, C. zofingiensis grows fast phototrophically, heterotrophically and mixtrophically, is easy to be cultured and scaled up both indoors and outdoors, and can achieve ultrahigh cell densities. These robust biotechnological traits provide C. zofingiensis with high potential to be a better organism than H. pluvialis for mass astaxanthin production. This review aims to provide an overview of the biology and industrial potential of C. zofingiensis as an alternative astaxanthin producer. The path forward for further expansion of the astaxanthin production from C. zofingiensis with respect to both challenges and opportunities is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- Institute for Food & Bioresource Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Zheng Sun
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Henri Gerken
- Department of Applied Sciences and Mathematics, Arizona State University Polytechnic campus, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA.
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Yue Jiang
- School of Food Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Feng Chen
- Institute for Food & Bioresource Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Establishing oleaginous microalgae research models for consolidated bioprocessing of solar energy. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2014; 128:69-84. [PMID: 22089825 DOI: 10.1007/10_2011_122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Algal feedstock is the foundation of the emerging algal biofuel industry. However, few algae found in nature have demonstrated the combination of high biomass accumulation rate, robust oil yield and tolerance to environmental stresses, all complex traits that a large-scale, economically competitive production scheme demands. Therefore, untangling the intricate sub-cellular networks underlying these complex traits, in one or a series of carefully selected algal research models, has become an urgent research mission, which can take advantage of the emerging model oleaginous microalgae that have already demonstrated small, simple and tackleable genomes and the potential for large-scale open-pond cultivation. The revolutions in whole-genome-based technologies, coupled with systems biology, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology approaches, would enable the rational design and engineering of algal feedstock and help to fill the gaps between the technical and economical reality and the enormous potential of algal biofuels.
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Genetic engineering of the green alga Chlorella zofingiensis: a modified norflurazon-resistant phytoene desaturase gene as a dominant selectable marker. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 98:5069-79. [PMID: 24584513 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-5593-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The unicellular green alga Chlorella zofingiensis has been proposed as a promising producer of natural astaxanthin, a commercially important ketocarotenoid. But the genetic toolbox for this alga is not available. In the present study, an efficient transformation system was established for C. zofingiensis. The transformation system utilized a modified norflurazon-resistant phytoene desaturase (PDS-L516F, with an leucine-phenylalanine change at position 516) as the selectable marker. Three promoters from endogenous PDS, nitrate reductase (NIT), and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit (RBCS) genes were tested, with the RBCS promoter demonstrating the highest transformation efficiency. Inclusion of the first intron of the PDS gene further enhanced the efficiency by 91 %. Both particle bombardment and electroporation methods were examined, and the latter gave a fourfold higher transformation efficiency. The introduction of PDS-L516F, which exhibited a 33 % higher desaturation activity than the unaltered enzyme, enabled C. zofingiensis to produce 32.1 % more total carotenoids (TCs) and 54.1 % more astaxanthin. The enhanced accumulation of astaxanthin in transformants was revealed to be related to the increase in the transcripts of PDS, β-carotenoid ketolase (BKT), and hydroxylase (CHYb) genes. Our study clearly shows that the modified PDS gene is a dominant selectable marker for the transformation of C. zofingiensis and possibly for the genetic engineering of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. In addition, the engineered C. zofingiensis might serve as an improved source of natural astaxanthin.
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Liu J, Chen F. Biology and Industrial Applications of Chlorella: Advances and Prospects. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2014; 153:1-35. [PMID: 25537445 DOI: 10.1007/10_2014_286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chlorella represents a group of eukaryotic green microalgae that has been receiving increasing scientific and commercial interest. It possesses high photosynthetic ability and is capable of growing robustly under mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions as well. Chlorella has long been considered as a source of protein and is now industrially produced for human food and animal feed. Chlorella is also rich in oil, an ideal feedstock for biofuels. The exploration of biofuel production by Chlorella is underway. Chlorella has the ability to fix carbon dioxide efficiently and to remove nutrients of nitrogen and phosphorous, making it a good candidate for greenhouse gas biomitigation and wastewater bioremediation. In addition, Chlorella shows potential as an alternative expression host for recombinant protein production, though challenges remain to be addressed. Currently, omics analyses of certain Chlorella strains are being performed, which will help to unravel the biological implications of Chlorella and facilitate the future exploration of industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- Institute for Food and Bioresource Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China. .,Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Singapore-Peking University Research Centre for a Sustainable Low-Carbon Future, CREATE Tower, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Feng Chen
- Institute for Food and Bioresource Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China. .,Singapore-Peking University Research Centre for a Sustainable Low-Carbon Future, CREATE Tower, Singapore, Singapore.
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31
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Li M, Gan Z, Cui Y, Shi C, Shi X. Structure and function characterization of the phytoene desaturase related to the lutein biosynthesis in Chlorella protothecoides CS-41. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 40:3351-61. [PMID: 23271125 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2410-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Phytoene desaturase is the key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis pathway of lutein. The unicellular microalga, Chlorella protothecoides CS-41, had been selected for the heterotrophic production of high concentrations of lutein. In this study, a cDNA copy of the pds gene from C. protothecoides was obtained using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique. Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed that the phytoene desaturases derived from the algal family. Expression of the pds gene in Escherichia coli produced a single protein of 61 kDa. The PDS activity of the expressed protein was confirmed by the production of ζ-carotene as the result from the action of the enzyme's desaturation activity, which was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography and heterologous complementation analysis. Using random and site-directed mutagenesis, a single amino acid mutation (N144D) was identified and confirmed. This mutant encodes an inactive enzyme, which implies that amino acid 144 is crutial to the activity of the PDS enzyme. Therefore, by gene cloning and expression in prokaryotic cells, the gene for ζ-carotene production or as part of the biosynthetic pathway of lutein had been characterized from Chlorella protothecoides CS-41.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiya Li
- Department of Food Science & Technology, MOST-USDA Joint Research Center for Food Safety and Bor Luh Food Safety Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
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32
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Efficient heterologous transformation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii npq2 mutant with the zeaxanthin epoxidase gene isolated and characterized from Chlorella zofingiensis. Mar Drugs 2012; 10:1955-1976. [PMID: 23118714 PMCID: PMC3475266 DOI: 10.3390/md10091955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the violaxanthin cycle, the violaxanthin de-epoxidase and zeaxanthin epoxidase catalyze the inter-conversion between violaxanthin and zeaxanthin in both plants and green algae. The zeaxanthin epoxidase gene from the green microalga Chlorella zofingiensis (Czzep) has been isolated. This gene encodes a polypeptide of 596 amino acids. A single copy of Czzep has been found in the C. zofingiensis genome by Southern blot analysis. qPCR analysis has shown that transcript levels of Czzep were increased after zeaxanthin formation under high light conditions. The functionality of Czzep gene by heterologous genetic complementation in the Chlamydomonas mutant npq2, which lacks zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) activity and accumulates zeaxanthin in all conditions, was analyzed. The Czzep gene was adequately inserted in the pSI105 vector and expressed in npq2. The positive transformants were able to efficiently convert zeaxanthin into violaxanthin, as well as to restore their maximum quantum efficiency of the PSII (Fv/Fm). These results show that Chlamydomonas can be an efficient tool for heterologous expression and metabolic engineering for biotechnological applications.
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Cordero BF, Couso I, Leon R, Rodriguez H, Vargas MA. Isolation and characterization of a lycopene ε-cyclase gene of Chlorella (Chromochloris) zofingiensis. Regulation of the carotenogenic pathway by nitrogen and light. Mar Drugs 2012; 10:2069-2088. [PMID: 23118722 PMCID: PMC3475274 DOI: 10.3390/md10092069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The isolation and characterization of the lycopene ε-cyclase gene from the green microalga Chlorella (Chromochloris) zofingiensis (Czlcy-e) was performed. This gene is involved in the formation of the carotenoids α-carotene and lutein. Czlcy-e gene encoded a polypeptide of 654 amino acids. A single copy of Czlcy-e was found in C. zofingiensis. Functional analysis by heterologous complementation in Escherichia coli showed the ability of this protein to convert lycopene to δ-carotene. In addition, the regulation of the carotenogenic pathway by light and nitrogen was also studied in C. zofingiensis. High irradiance stress did not increase mRNA levels of neither lycopene β-cyclase gene (lcy-b) nor lycopene ε-cyclase gene (lcy-e) as compared with low irradiance conditions, whereas the transcript levels of psy, pds, chyB and bkt genes were enhanced, nevertheless triggering the synthesis of the secondary carotenoids astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and zeaxanthin and decreasing the levels of the primary carotenoids α-carotene, lutein, violaxanthin and β-carotene. Nitrogen starvation per se enhanced mRNA levels of all genes considered, except lcy-e and pds, but did not trigger the synthesis of astaxanthin, canthaxanthin nor zeaxanthin. The combined effect of both high light and nitrogen starvation stresses enhanced significantly the accumulation of these carotenoids as well as the transcript levels of bkt gene, as compared with the effect of only high irradiance stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baldo F. Cordero
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis, CIC Cartuja, University of Seville and CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio, n° 49, Seville 41092, Spain; (B.F.C.); (I.C.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Inmaculada Couso
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis, CIC Cartuja, University of Seville and CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio, n° 49, Seville 41092, Spain; (B.F.C.); (I.C.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Rosa Leon
- Department of Chemistry, Experimental Sciences Faculty, University of Huelva, Avda. Fuerzas Armadas s/n, Huelva 27071, Spain;
| | - Herminia Rodriguez
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis, CIC Cartuja, University of Seville and CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio, n° 49, Seville 41092, Spain; (B.F.C.); (I.C.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Maria Angeles Vargas
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis, CIC Cartuja, University of Seville and CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio, n° 49, Seville 41092, Spain; (B.F.C.); (I.C.); (M.A.V.)
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Cordero BF, Couso I, León R, Rodríguez H, Vargas MÁ. Enhancement of carotenoids biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by nuclear transformation using a phytoene synthase gene isolated from Chlorella zofingiensis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2011; 91:341-51. [PMID: 21519934 PMCID: PMC3125507 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3262-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Revised: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The isolation and characterization of the phytoene synthase gene from the green microalga Chlorella zofingiensis (CzPSY), involved in the first step of the carotenoids biosynthetic pathway, have been performed. CzPSY gene encodes a polypeptide of 420 amino acids. A single copy of CzPSY has been found in C. zofingiensis by Southern blot analysis. Heterologous genetic complementation in Escherichia coli showed the ability of the predicted protein to catalyze the condensation of two molecules of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) to form phytoene. Phylogenetic analysis has shown that the deduced protein forms a cluster with the rest of the phytoene synthases (PSY) of the chlorophycean microalgae studied, being very closely related to PSY of plants. This new isolated gene has been adequately inserted in a vector and expressed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The overexpression of CzPSY in C. reinhardtii, by nuclear transformation, has led to an increase in the corresponding CzPSY transcript level as well as in the content of the carotenoids violaxanthin and lutein which were 2.0- and 2.2-fold higher than in untransformed cells. This is an example of manipulation of the carotenogenic pathway in eukaryotic microalgae, which can open up the possibility of enhancing the productivity of commercial carotenoids by molecular engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baldo F. Cordero
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, University of Sevilla and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Américo Vespucio no 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Couso
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, University of Sevilla and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Américo Vespucio no 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosa León
- Departamento de Química y Ciencia de Materiales, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, University of Huelva, Avda. Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Herminia Rodríguez
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, University of Sevilla and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Américo Vespucio no 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - M. Ángeles Vargas
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, University of Sevilla and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Américo Vespucio no 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
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Takaichi S. Carotenoids in algae: distributions, biosyntheses and functions. Mar Drugs 2011; 9:1101-1118. [PMID: 21747749 PMCID: PMC3131562 DOI: 10.3390/md9061101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Revised: 05/31/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For photosynthesis, phototrophic organisms necessarily synthesize not only chlorophylls but also carotenoids. Many kinds of carotenoids are found in algae and, recently, taxonomic studies of algae have been developed. In this review, the relationship between the distribution of carotenoids and the phylogeny of oxygenic phototrophs in sea and fresh water, including cyanobacteria, red algae, brown algae and green algae, is summarized. These phototrophs contain division- or class-specific carotenoids, such as fucoxanthin, peridinin and siphonaxanthin. The distribution of α-carotene and its derivatives, such as lutein, loroxanthin and siphonaxanthin, are limited to divisions of Rhodophyta (macrophytic type), Cryptophyta, Euglenophyta, Chlorarachniophyta and Chlorophyta. In addition, carotenogenesis pathways are discussed based on the chemical structures of carotenoids and known characteristics of carotenogenesis enzymes in other organisms; genes and enzymes for carotenogenesis in algae are not yet known. Most carotenoids bind to membrane-bound pigment-protein complexes, such as reaction center, light-harvesting and cytochrome b(6)f complexes. Water-soluble peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein (PCP) and orange carotenoid protein (OCP) are also established. Some functions of carotenoids in photosynthesis are also briefly summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Takaichi
- Department of Biology, Nippon Medical School, Kosugi-cho, Nakahara, Kawasaki 211-0063, Japan; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +81-44-733-3584; Fax: +81-44-733-3584
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Strategies for high-level recombinant protein expression in transgenic microalgae: A review. Biotechnol Adv 2010; 28:910-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2010.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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37
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Liu J, Zhong Y, Sun Z, Huang J, Jiang Y, Sandmann G, Chen F. One amino acid substitution in phytoene desaturase makes Chlorella zofingiensis resistant to norflurazon and enhances the biosynthesis of astaxanthin. PLANTA 2010; 232:61-7. [PMID: 20221629 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-010-1132-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
A stable Chlorella zofingiensis mutant (E17) produced by chemical mutagen was characterized with respect to growth, astaxanthin biosynthesis, and phytoene desaturation. The mutant E17 could grow well and produce normal levels of colored carotenoids in the presence of 0.25 microM norflurazon, in which the growth of wild type (WT) cells was greatly limited due to inhibited carotenoid formation. Induced by high-light irradiation or glucose, E17 produced 44 or 36% more astaxanthin than WT when cultured in media without norflurazon. A point mutation (C-T) was revealed to occur in the PDS gene of E17, leading to an amino acid change (L516F) in its coding region. The mutated PDS exhibited 31-fold resistance to norflurazon when compared to WT as determined by an in vitro assay. Surprisingly, the mutated PDS exhibited higher efficiency in converting phytoene to zeta-carotene. No difference in PDS transcripts was found between E17 and WT cells cultured either in normal or induced conditions. In contrast, higher transcript levels of beta-carotene ketolase and hydroxylase were found in the E17 cells. Taken together, we conclude that a point mutation in Chlorella PDS gene makes E17 resistant to norflurazon and synthesize higher amounts of carotenoids including astaxanthin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- School of Biological Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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38
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Chen G, Xiang WZ, Lau CC, Peng J, Qiu JW, Chen F, Jiang Y. A comparative analysis of lipid and carotenoid composition of the gonads of Anthocidaris crassispina, Diadema setosum and Salmacis sphaeroides. Food Chem 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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39
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Li Y, Huang J, Sandmann G, Chen F. HIGH-LIGHT AND SODIUM CHLORIDE STRESS DIFFERENTIALLY REGULATE THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF ASTAXANTHIN IN CHLORELLA ZOFINGIENSIS (CHLOROPHYCEAE)(1). JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2009; 45:635-41. [PMID: 27034040 DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2009.00689.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Although light and salt stresses are known to enhance the biosynthesis of astaxanthin in certain green algae, the mechanism of their action remains largely unknown. Here we report the regulation of the genes encoding phytoene desaturase (PDS), carotenoid hydroxylase (CHYb), and carotenoid ketolase (BKT) in the green alga Chlorella zofingiensis Dönz under light or sodium chloride (NaCl) stress. High-light illumination (150 μmol photons · m(-2) · s(-1) ) up-regulated the transcripts of PDS, CHYb, and BKT and greatly enhanced the biosynthesis of zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and astaxanthin. In contrast, sodium chloride stress only up-regulated the transcript of BKT and enhanced the biosynthesis of canthaxanthin and astaxanthin. High-light and NaCl stresses were revealed to result in an increase in the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. By applying chemically generated ROS to the algal cells, we determined that (1) O2 specifically up-regulated the CHYb gene, whereas •OH up-regulated the PDS and BKT genes. We suggest that high-light and NaCl stresses may stimulate the generation of different ROS, which in turn trigger the up-regulation of specific carotenogenic genes and the enhanced biosynthesis of carotenoids in C. zofingiensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yantao Li
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ChinaBioscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, P.O. Box 111932, D-60054 Frankfurt, GermanySchool of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Junchao Huang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ChinaBioscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, P.O. Box 111932, D-60054 Frankfurt, GermanySchool of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gerhard Sandmann
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ChinaBioscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, P.O. Box 111932, D-60054 Frankfurt, GermanySchool of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Feng Chen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ChinaBioscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, P.O. Box 111932, D-60054 Frankfurt, GermanySchool of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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40
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Sugar-based growth, astaxanthin accumulation and carotenogenic transcription of heterotrophic Chlorella zofingiensis (Chlorophyta). Process Biochem 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2008.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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41
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Metabolic engineering for enhanced astaxanthin biosynthesis in Chlorella zofingiensis (chlorophyta). J Biotechnol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2008.07.1348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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