Characterization of fatty acid desaturases reveals stress-induced synthesis of C18 unsaturated fatty acids enriched in triacylglycerol in the oleaginous alga Chromochloris zofingiensis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The green microalga Chromochloris zofingiensis is capable of producing high levels of triacylglycerol rich in C18 unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). FA desaturation degree is regulated by FA desaturases (FADs). Nevertheless, it remains largely unknown regarding what FADs are involved in FA desaturations and how these FADs collaborate to contribute to the high abundance of C18 UFAs in triacylglycerol in C. zofingiensis.

Results

To address these issues, we firstly determined the transcription start sites of 11 putative membrane-bound FAD-coding genes (CzFADs) and updated their gene models. Functional validation of these CzFADs in yeast and cyanobacterial cells revealed that seven are bona fide FAD enzymes with distinct substrates. Combining the validated functions and

SUBMITTER: Wu T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8447527 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature