Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Potential Mechanisms for Improving Carotenoid Production in Rhodosporidium toruloides Z11 under Light Stress

Abstract

Carotenoids, as a type of tetraterpene compound, have been widely used in food, medical, and health areas owing to their antioxidant, immune enhancement, and disease risk reduction effects. Rhodosporidium toruloides is a promising oleaginous red yeast that can industrially synthesize carotenoids. In this study, the effects of different light exposure times and intervals on carotenoid production by R. toruloides Z11 were first investigated. Results showed that a higher carotenoid content (1.29 mg/g) can be achieved when R. toruloides Z11 was exposed to light for 12 h per day, which was increased by 1.98 times compared with that of dark cultivation. Transcriptome profiling revealed that light stress could effectively promote the gene expression levels of GGPS1 and AL1 in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway and phr in the DNA photolysis pathway of R. toruloides. This work will provide a molecular foundation to further improve the production efficiency of carotenoids by genetic engineering.

Current Advances in Carotenoid Production by Rhodotorula sp.

“…In this research, authors confirmed that green LEDs (3473 µg/L) and red LEDs (3497 µg/L) increased carotenoid production by 93.5 and 94.9%, respectively. Gao et al [64] reported that R. toruloides Z11 showed higher carotenoid content (1.29 mg/g) when exposed to light for 12 h daily. Production was increased by 1.98 times compared to dark cultivation.…”

Cluster of Differentiation 36 (CD36) Preferentially Mediates Intestinal Absorption of Dietary Z-Astaxanthin and Especially 9-Z-Isomer via Higher Binding Affinity

“…Carotenoids, high-value natural pigments, rich in fruits and vegetables with antioxidant, antiaging, immune-regulating, and other health benefits, are widely used as nutraceuticals in foods and supplements . Naturally occurring carotenoids primarily exist in the all- E -configuration, but during food processing and digestion, they are susceptible to isomerize into common 9- Z - and 13- Z -isomer due to conjugated double-bond structures (Figure ).…”