Oleaginous microalgae represent potential feedstocks for the sustainable production of lipids thanks to their ability to accumulate triacylglycerols (TAGs). TAG accumulation in several algal species is strongly induced under specific conditions such as nutrient deprivation and high light which, however, also negatively impact growth. Genetic modification of lipogenic pathways can potentially enhance TAG accumulation without negatively affecting growth, avoiding the trade-off between biomass and lipids productivity. In this study, the phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT), an enzyme involved in membrane lipid recycling, was overexpressed in the seawater alga Nannochloropsis gaditana. PDAT overexpression induced increased TAG content in actively growing algae cultures while no effects were observed in conditions naturally stimulating strong lipid accumulation such as high light and nitrogen starvation. The increase of TAG content was confirmed also in a strain cultivated in industrially relevant conditions even though PDAT overexpression, if too strong, the gene overexpression becomes detrimental for growth in the longer term. Results overall suggest that genetic modulation of the PDAT gene represents a promising strategy to increase microalgae lipids content by minimizing negative effects on biomass productivity.

An increase in the membrane lipids recycling by PDAT overexpression stimulates the accumulation of triacylglycerol in Nannochloropsis gaditana

Bossi Simone;Maffei Massimo;
2022-01-01

Abstract

Oleaginous microalgae represent potential feedstocks for the sustainable production of lipids thanks to their ability to accumulate triacylglycerols (TAGs). TAG accumulation in several algal species is strongly induced under specific conditions such as nutrient deprivation and high light which, however, also negatively impact growth. Genetic modification of lipogenic pathways can potentially enhance TAG accumulation without negatively affecting growth, avoiding the trade-off between biomass and lipids productivity. In this study, the phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT), an enzyme involved in membrane lipid recycling, was overexpressed in the seawater alga Nannochloropsis gaditana. PDAT overexpression induced increased TAG content in actively growing algae cultures while no effects were observed in conditions naturally stimulating strong lipid accumulation such as high light and nitrogen starvation. The increase of TAG content was confirmed also in a strain cultivated in industrially relevant conditions even though PDAT overexpression, if too strong, the gene overexpression becomes detrimental for growth in the longer term. Results overall suggest that genetic modulation of the PDAT gene represents a promising strategy to increase microalgae lipids content by minimizing negative effects on biomass productivity.
2022
357
28
37
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168165622001730
algae biodiesel, triacylglycerols, Nannochloropsis lipids, homeostasis, genetic engineering
Nicolò Fattore, Francesca Bucci, Alessandr aBellan, Bossi Simone, Maffei Massimo, Tomas Morosinotto
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1871578
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