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Exploring the Chemical Space of Macro- and Micro-Algae Using Comparative Metabolomics
Alison H Hughes1, Florent Magot1, Ahmed F Tawfike1,2
1Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
Microorganisms
|February 6, 2021
Summary
Eukaryotic algae, including seaweeds and microalgae, possess unique chemical profiles. This study reveals distinct metabolite compositions between macro- and microalgae, highlighting environmental influences on microalgal chemical diversity.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Metabolomics
- Natural product chemistry
Background:
- Eukaryotic algae represent a vast, largely untapped source of diverse chemical compounds.
- Seaweeds and microalgae are known for specialized metabolites with potential pharmaceutical applications.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the distinct chemical profiles and metabolite coverage of macro- and microalgae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the chemical diversity of seaweeds and microalgae using untargeted metabolomics.
- To investigate the chemical space occupied by algal metabolites.
- To assess the influence of phylogeny versus environmental factors on microalgal chemical profiles.
Main Methods:
- Comparative metabolomics analysis of seven seaweed and 36 microalgal strains.
- Utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for feature detection.
- In-depth analysis of four *Dunaliella tertiolecta* strains.
Main Results:
- A total of 1390 small organic metabolites (LC-MS features) were identified.
- No chemical overlap was observed between seaweed and microalgal metabolite profiles.
- Environmental factors significantly influenced the metabolomic profiles of *Dunaliella tertiolecta* more than phylogeny.
Conclusions:
- Macro- and microalgae possess distinct and non-overlapping chemical metabolomes.
- Environmental conditions are critical determinants of microalgal chemical profiles, potentially overriding phylogenetic relationships.
- Further exploration of algal specialized metabolites is warranted for novel applications.
