Zinc Finger Protein LipR Represses Docosahexaenoic Acid and Lipid Biosynthesis in Schizochytrium sp.

ABSTRACT: The heterotrophic marine microalgae Schizochytrium sp. is an important industrial producer of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Increased production of DHA and lipids in Schizochytrium sp. has been achieved by standard fermentation optimization and metabolic engineering methods; however, regulatory mechanisms for DHA and lipid biosynthesis remain unknown. In this study, the C₂H₂ zinc finger protein LipR was identified in Schizochytrium sp. ATCC 20888 by transcriptional analysis. Deletion of the lipR gene significantly (P < 0.001) increased production of total lipids and DHA by 33% and 48%, respectively. LipR repressed DHA and lipid production by directly inhibiting transcription of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and fatty acid synthase

SUBMITTER: Han X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8939356 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature