Regulatory mechanisms of lipid biosynthesis in microalgae

Abstract

Microalgal lipids are highly promising feedstocks for biofuel production. Microalgal lipids, especially triacylglycerol, and practical applications of these compounds have received increasing attention in recent years. For the commercial use of microalgal lipids to be feasible, many fundamental biological questions must be addressed based on detailed studies of algal biology, including how lipid biosynthesis occurs and is regulated. Here, we review the current understanding of microalgal lipid biosynthesis, with a focus on the underlying regulatory mechanisms. We also present possible solutions for overcoming various obstacles to understanding the basic biology of microalgal lipid biosynthesis and the practical application of microalgae-based lipids. This review will provide a theoretical reference for both algal researchers and decision makers regarding the future directions of microalgal research, particularly pertaining to microalgal-based lipid biosynthesis.

Microalgae-Based Green Bio-Manufacturing—How Far From Us

“…Microalgae synthesize carbohydrates by fixing CO 2 through photosynthesis, and further generate various organic compounds through various metabolic pathways. At the same time, different types of nitrogen-containing compounds absorbed during the growth of microalgae can be used to synthesize proteins and other nitrogen-containing substances, and convert nitrogen into biomass (Chen et al, 2017 ; Calzadilla et al, 2019 ; Chen and Wang, 2020 , 2021 ). However, while the diversity of microalgal metabolic pathways and their regulatory networks provides more opportunities for bio-manufacturing research, they are also “incredibly unpredictable” compared to other biological processes due to their complex influence variables.…”

“…Bio-manufacturing is a new manufacturing mode that breaks away from the route of petrochemical industry, and has the typical characteristics of low carbon, recyclable, green, and clean. Microalgae can use solar energy to fix CO 2 and convert C1 compound into organic matter, which can further generate a variety of metabolites through a variety of metabolic pathways and then produce a variety of biofuels and fine chemicals through genetic engineering modification (Qin et al, 2012 ; Maheswari et al, 2018 ; Chen and Wang, 2021 ). Therefore, microalgae have attracted much attention in recent years as “green cell factories” (Machado and Atsumi, 2012 ).…”

Application of Anabaena azotica- and Chlorella pyrenoidosa-Based Algal Biotechnology in Green Production of Algae-Rich Crataegi fructus

“…The reverse carrier system of Anabaena azotica cells: The direction of the movement of substances across the membrane is opposite to the direction of ion transfer, namely, when the carrier binds to H+ and then other molecules or ions (such as Na+), they would be transported through the cell membrane in opposite directions. The reverse carrier system could promote the efflux of Na+ and reduce the accumulation of Na+ so as to increase the tolerance of blue-green algae to the salt environment; in addition, it could continuously transfer the extracellular H+ into the cells so as to adjust the balance of the pH value in the cells [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Análise integrativa de proteômica, metabolômica e lipidômica para estudo da acumulação de lipídios neutros na microalga >i<Chlamydomonas reinhardtii>/i<

“…Além do carbono (C), o N é o nutriente mais importante para o crescimento das microalgas e plantas, representando aproximadamente 7 a 12% do seu peso seco total (Robertson and Vitousek 2009;Schmollinger et al 2014;Chen and Wang 2021). A privação de N gera alterações drásticas no metabolismo e fenótipo das células de C. reinhardtii, principalmente após 24h de privação, como já observado em estudos anteriores, caracterizado principalmente pelo acúmulo de amido e TAGs, redução do crescimento, e diminuição dos níveis de clorofila e proteína total (Msanne et al 2012;Schmollinger et al 2014;Valledor et al 2014;Juergens et al 2015;Park et al 2015a).…”

“…entre amido e TAGs em C. reinhardtii (Johnson and Alric 2013a;Juergens et al 2016b;Chen and Wang 2021).…”