A nitrogen deprivation gradient triggers transcriptional reprogramming for lipid biosynthesis in Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa.

ABSTRACT: Nitrogen deprivation is a well-established strategy to enhance lipid accumulation in microalgae, yet the transcriptomic mechanisms underlying a gradient of nitrogen deprivation remain poorly understood. This study investigated the oleaginous microalga Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa under a sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) gradient (1.5, 1, 0.5, and 0 g L⁻¹). RNA-seq analysis revealed distinct molecular responses tailored to nitrogen availability. Under mild limitation (1 g L⁻¹), nitrate assimilation and nitrogen metabolism were predominantly suppressed. Moderate deprivation (0.5 g L⁻¹) triggered extensive downregulation of the photosynthetic apparatus, encompassing chloroplast function and porphyrin/chlorophyll metabolism. In contrast, severe deprivation (0 g L⁻¹) induced nucleolar stress and upregulat

SUBMITTER: Liufu W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12678769 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature