Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
11:07
High-Throughput Metabolic Profiling for Model Refinements of Microalgae
Published on: December 4, 2021
4.2K
Short Chain Fatty Acid Biosynthesis in Microalgae Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942
Yi Gong1,2,3, Xiaoling Miao4,5,6
1State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China. gongvsyi@126.com.
Marine Drugs
|May 1, 2019
Summary
Cyanobacteria accumulate short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like C12 and C14, with gene fabB/F influencing elongation and fabH involved in fatty acid synthesis. This research aids in breeding SCFA-rich microalgae.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Synthetic Biology
Background:
- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are valuable cosmetic ingredients.
- Cyanobacteria can produce SCFAs, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Two genes, fabB/F and fabH, in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 show homology to plant β-ketoacyl ACP synthases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of culture time and cerulenin on SCFA accumulation in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942.
- To determine the role of the potential genes fabB/F and fabH in SCFA biosynthesis.
- To provide a basis for breeding microalgae strains rich in SCFAs.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 under varying conditions (time, cerulenin concentration).
- Analysis of fatty acid composition and quantification of SCFAs.
- Gene expression analysis (quantitative PCR) and functional studies (antisense expression, gene knockout).
- Complementary experiments in E. coli.
Main Results:
- High accumulation of SCFAs (C12 + C14) observed at day 4 and with 7.5g/L cerulenin, with fabB/F expression downregulated.
- Antisense expression of fabB/F and fabH led to increased C14 fatty acids.
- Gene knockout mutants showed altered fatty acid profiles, with fabB/F mutant exhibiting a six-fold increase in C8.
- fabB/F is implicated in fatty acid elongation (C <18) and cis-16:1 to cis-18:1 conversion, while fabH is involved in general fatty acid elongation.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates the roles of fabB/F and fabH in SCFA production in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942.
- fabB/F is crucial for fatty acid chain elongation and specific conversions, while fabH contributes to overall fatty acid synthesis.
- Findings support the potential for engineering microalgae for enhanced SCFA production for cosmetic applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Biosynthesis of Lipids
423
Microbial membranes exhibit remarkable diversity in lipid composition, reflecting evolutionary adaptations to various environmental conditions. The three domains of life—Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya—synthesize membrane lipids through distinct biosynthetic pathways, leading to fundamental structural differences that impact membrane stability, function, and adaptability.Fatty Acid-Based Lipids in Bacteria and EukaryaBacteria and eukaryotes share a common fatty acid biosynthesis...
423
01:21Green Algae
590
Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
590
01:28Carbon-dioxide Fixation
507
Carbon dioxide fixation in prokaryotes enables the assimilation of inorganic carbon into organic molecules, supporting biosynthetic pathways, sustaining ecosystems, and contributing to the global carbon cycle. It also has industrial applications in carbon capture and bioproduct synthesis. Autotrophic organisms rely on this process to utilize CO₂ as a carbon source in diverse environments.The Calvin CycleThe Calvin cycle is the most widespread carbon fixation mechanism, primarily used by...
507
01:24Biosynthesis in Bacteria
457
Biosynthesis in bacteria is a fundamental anabolic process that generates essential macromolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides. These macromolecules are critical for cellular growth, replication, and function. The process is tightly regulated and energetically linked to catabolic pathways to ensure optimal resource utilization.Biosynthetic pathways begin with precursor metabolites such as pyruvate, acetyl-CoA, and glucose-6-phosphate derived from glycolysis,...
457
01:25Lipid Catabolism
726
Triglycerides serve as crucial long-term energy storage molecules in microorganisms, providing a dense source of metabolic energy. Their breakdown is mediated by lipases, which hydrolyze triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Each of these components follows distinct metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to ATP synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis.Glycerol MetabolismGlycerol, released from triglyceride hydrolysis, is phosphorylated by glycerol kinase to form...
726
01:28Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
35.9K
Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
35.9K