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Bedard S, Roxborough E, O'Neill E, Mangal V. The biomolecules of Euglena gracilis: Harnessing biology for natural solutions to future problems. Protist 2024; 175:126044. [PMID: 38823247 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2024.126044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the autotrophic and heterotrophic protist Euglena gracilis (E. gracilis) has gained popularity across the studies of environmental science, biosynthesis experiments, and nutritional substitutes. The unique physiology and versatile metabolism of E. gracilis have been a recent topic of interest to many researchers who continue to understand the complexity and possibilities of using E. gracilis biomolecule production. In this review, we present a comprehensive representation of recent literature outlining the various uses of biomolecules derived from E. gracilis across the fields of natural product biosynthesis, as a nutritional substitute, and as bioremediation tools. In addition, we highlight effective strategies for altering metabolite production using abiotic stressors and growth conditions. To better understand metabolite biosynthesis and its role in E. gracilis, integrated studies involving genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics should be considered. Together, we show how the ongoing advancements in E. gracilis related research continue to broaden applications in the biosynthetic sector and highlight future works that would strengthen our understanding of overall Euglena metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bedard
- Department of Chemistry, Brock University. 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catherines, Ontario L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - E Roxborough
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - E O'Neill
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - V Mangal
- Department of Chemistry, Brock University. 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catherines, Ontario L2S 3A1, Canada.
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Chen Z, Huang Y, Shen Y, Zhang J, Deng J, Chen X. Denitrification shifted autotroph-heterotroph interactions in Microcystis aggregates. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116269. [PMID: 37257745 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Denitrification is the most important process for nitrogen removal in eutrophic lakes and was mostly investigated in lake sediment. Denitrification could also be mediated by cyanobacterial aggregates, yet how this process impacts nitrogen (N) availability and the associated autotroph-heterotroph relationships within cyanobacterial aggregates has not been investigated. In this study, incubation experiments with nitrate amendment were conducted with Microcystis aggregates (MAs). Measurement of nitrogen contents, 16S rRNA-based microbial community profiling and metatranscriptomic sequencing were used to jointly assess nitrogen turnover dynamics, as well as changes in microbial composition and gene expression. Strong denitrification potential was revealed, and maximal N removal was achieved within two days, after which the communities entered a state of severe N limitation. Changes of active microbial communities were further promoted both with regard to taxonomic composition and transcriptive activities. Expression of transportation-related genes confirmed competition for N sources by Microcystis and phycospheric communities. Strong stress response to reactive oxygen species by Microcystis was revealed. Notably, interspecific relationships among Microcystis and phycospheric communities exhibited a shift toward antagonistic interactions, particularly evidenced by overall increased expression of genes related to cell lysis and utilization of cellular materials. Patterns of fatty acid and starch metabolism also suggested changes in carbon metabolism and cross-feeding patterns within MAs. Taken together, this study demonstrated substantial denitrification potential of MAs, which, importantly, further induced changes in both metabolic activities and autotroph-heterotroph interactions. These findings also highlight the key role of nutrient condition in shaping autotroph-heterotroph relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Chen
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restorations, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Huang
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restorations, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yingshi Shen
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restorations, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Zhang
- Jiangsu Wuxi Environmental Monitoring Center, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restorations, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuechu Chen
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restorations, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai, China
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Yang N, Zhang Q, Chen J, Wu S, Chen R, Yao L, Li B, Liu X, Zhang R, Zhang Z. Study on bioactive compounds of microalgae as antioxidants in a bibliometric analysis and visualization perspective. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1144326. [PMID: 37056511 PMCID: PMC10089266 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1144326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural antioxidants are more attractive than synthetic chemical oxidants because of their non-toxic and non-harmful properties. Microalgal bioactive components such as carotenoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds are gaining popularity as very effective and long-lasting natural antioxidants. Few articles currently exist that analyze microalgae from a bibliometric and visualization point of view. This study used a bibliometric method based on the Web of Science Core Collection database to analyze antioxidant research on bioactive compounds in microalgae from 1996 to 2022. According to cluster analysis, the most studied areas are the effectiveness, the antioxidant mechanism, and use of bioactive substances in microalgae, such as carotene, astaxanthin, and tocopherols, in the fields of food, cosmetics, and medicine. Using keyword co-occurrence and keyword mutation analysis, future trends are predicted to improve extraction rates and stability by altering the environment of microalgae cultures or mixing extracts with chemicals such as nanoparticles for commercial and industrial applications. These findings can help researchers identify trends and resources to build impactful investigations and expand scientific frontiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyang Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, China
- Qingyuan County Edible Fungus Industry Center, Lishui, China
| | - Jingyun Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shilin Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Yao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Bailei Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongqing Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
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Ye Z, Shi B, Huang Y, Ma T, Xiang Z, Hu B, Kuang Z, Huang M, Lin X, Tian Z, Deng Z, Shen K, Liu T. Revolution of vitamin E production by starting from microbial fermented farnesene to isophytol. Innovation (N Y) 2022; 3:100228. [PMID: 35373168 PMCID: PMC8968663 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2022.100228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin E is one of the most widely used vitamins. In the classical commercial synthesis of vitamin E (α-tocopherol), the chemical synthesis of isophytol is the key technical barrier. Here, we establish a new process for isophytol synthesis from microbial fermented farnesene. To achieve an efficient pathway for farnesene production, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was selected as the host strain. First, β-farnesene synthase genes from different sources were screened, and through protein engineering and system metabolic engineering, a high production of β-farnesene in S. cerevisiae was achieved (55.4 g/L). This farnesene can be chemically converted into isophytol in three steps with approximately 92% yield, which is economically equal to that from the best total chemical synthesis. Furthermore, we co-produced lycopene and farnesene to reduce the cost of farnesene. A factory based on this new process was successfully operated in Hubei Province, China, in 2017, with an annual output of 30,000 tons of vitamin E. This new process has completely changed the vitamin E market due to its low cost and safety. The traditional chemical synthesis of vitamin E is complex and could be explosive An innovative way to synthesize isophytol from biofermented farnesene is established This process is safer and cheaper, changing the production and marketing of vitamin E Co-production of β-farnesene and lycopene improves the competitiveness of this process
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziling Ye
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- J1 Biotech Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430075, China
| | - Bin Shi
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- J1 Biotech Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430075, China
| | - Yanglei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zilei Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ben Hu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhaolin Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Man Huang
- J1 Biotech Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430075, China
| | - Xiaoying Lin
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhu Tian
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zixin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Kun Shen
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tiangang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Corresponding author
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Abstract
Clean label is an important trend in the food industry. It aims at washing foods of chemicals perceived as unhealthy by consumers. Microorganisms are present in many foods (usually fermented), they exhibit a diversity of metabolism and some can bring probiotic properties. They are usually well considered by consumers and, with progresses in the knowledge of their physiology and behavior, they can become very precise tools to produce or degrade specific compounds. They are thus an interesting means to obtain clean label foods. In this review, we propose to discuss some current research to use microorganisms to produce clean label foods with examples improving sensorial, textural, health and nutritional properties.
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Metabolic engineering for the production of fat-soluble vitamins: advances and perspectives. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 104:935-951. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10157-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Verni M, Verardo V, Rizzello CG. How Fermentation Affects the Antioxidant Properties of Cereals and Legumes. Foods 2019; 8:E362. [PMID: 31450581 PMCID: PMC6770679 DOI: 10.3390/foods8090362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The major role of antioxidant compounds in preserving food shelf life, as well as providing health promoting benefits, combined with the increasing concern towards synthetic antioxidants, has led the scientific community to focus on natural antioxidants present in food matrices or resulting from microbial metabolism during fermentation. This review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the effect of fermentation on the antioxidant compounds of vegetables, with emphasis on cereals- and legumes- derived foods. Polyphenols are the main natural antioxidants in food. However, they are often bound to cell wall, glycosylated, or in polymeric forms, which affect their bioaccessibility, yet several metabolic activities are involved in their release or conversion in more active forms. In some cases, the antioxidant properties in vitro, were also confirmed during in vivo studies. Similarly, bioactive peptides resulted from bacterial and fungal proteolysis, were also found to have ex vivo protective effect against oxidation. Fermentation also influenced the bioaccessibility of other compounds, such as vitamins and exopolysaccharides, enabling a further improvement of antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. The ability of fermentation to improve food antioxidant properties strictly relies on the metabolic activities of the starter used, and to further demonstrate its potential, more in vivo studies should be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Verni
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Vito Verardo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology 'José Mataix', Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Avenida del Conocimiento s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain
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Phillips FC, Jensen GS, Showman L, Tonda R, Horst G, Levine R. Particulate and solubilized β-glucan and non-β-glucan fractions of Euglena gracilis induce pro-and anti-inflammatory innate immune cell responses and exhibit antioxidant properties. J Inflamm Res 2019; 12:49-64. [PMID: 30881080 PMCID: PMC6407518 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s191824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this work was to determine the pro-and anti-inflammatory properties of the single-cell organism Euglena gracilis (EG) and various fractions of its whole biomass. Methods Heterotrophically grown EG was tested, along with its aqueous fraction (E-AQ), the intact linear β-glucan paramylon granules (PAR), and alkaline-solubilized paramylon. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures were treated with the test products and analyzed for a variety of cellular responses. Immune cell activation was evaluated by flow cytometry detection of CD69 levels on CD3-CD56+ NK cells, CD3+CD56+ NKT cells, and monocytes, and cytokines were analyzed from the cell culture supernatants. Antioxidant capacity was measured by Folin-Ciocalteu assay and cellular antioxidant protection and MTT assays. Results EG and E-AQ were the most effective in driving immune cell responses as measured by CD69 upregulation on NK and NKT cells and proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor, IL-6, IL-1β) cytokine production. None of the test products effectively stimulated monocyte. EG and PAR inhibited reactive oxygen species under conditions of oxidative stress. E-AQ contained antioxidants capable of providing cellular antioxidant protection from oxidative damage and protection of mitochondrial function under inflammatory conditions. Conclusion The effects of EG on immune function are only partially attributable to the content of the β-glucan, paramylon. The regulation of additional cellular responses, such a reactive oxygen species production and resistance to oxidative stress, is likely mediated by currently unknown molecules found in the EG cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrah C Phillips
- Kemin Industries, Animal Nutrition and Health of North America, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA,
| | | | - Lucas Showman
- W.M. Keck Metabolomics Research Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Rachel Tonda
- Kemin Industries, Animal Nutrition and Health of North America, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA,
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Kottuparambil S, Thankamony RL, Agusti S. Euglena as a potential natural source of value-added metabolites. A review. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2018.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Hasan MT, Sun A, Mirzaei M, Te'o J, Hobba G, Sunna A, Nevalainen H. A comprehensive assessment of the biosynthetic pathways of ascorbate, α-tocopherol and free amino acids in Euglena gracilis var. saccharophila. ALGAL RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2017.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Biochemistry and Physiology of Reactive Oxygen Species in Euglena. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 979:47-64. [PMID: 28429317 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-54910-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide are by-products of various metabolic processes in aerobic organisms including Euglena. Chloroplasts and mitochondria are the main sites of ROS generation by photosynthesis and respiration, respectively, through the active electron transport chain. An efficient antioxidant network is required to maintain intracellular ROS pools at optimal conditions for redox homeostasis. A comparison with the networks of plants and animals revealed that Euglena has acquired some aspects of ROS metabolic process. Euglena lacks catalase and a typical selenocysteine containing animal-type glutathione peroxidase for hydrogen peroxide scavenging, but contains enzymes involved in ascorbate-glutathione cycle solely in the cytosol. Ascorbate peroxidase in Euglena, which plays a central role in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, forms a unique intra-molecular dimer structure that is related to the recognition of peroxides. We recently identified peroxiredoxin and NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase isoforms in cellular compartments including chloroplasts and mitochondria, indicating the physiological significance of the thioredoxin system in metabolism of ROS. Besides glutathione, Euglena contains the unusual thiol compound trypanothione, an unusual form of glutathione involving two molecules of glutathione joined by a spermidine linker, which has been identified in pathogenic protists such as Trypanosomatida and Schizopyrenida. Furthermore, in contrast to plants, photosynthesis by Euglena is not susceptible to hydrogen peroxide because of resistance of the Calvin cycle enzymes fructose-1,6-bisphosphatse, NADP+-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphatase, sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase, and phosphoribulokinase to hydrogen peroxide. Consequently, these characteristics of Euglena appear to exemplify a strategy for survival and adaptation to various environmental conditions during the evolutionary process of euglenoids.
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Biochemistry and Physiology of Vitamins in Euglena. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 979:65-90. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-54910-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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O'Neill EC, Trick M, Hill L, Rejzek M, Dusi RG, Hamilton CJ, Zimba PV, Henrissat B, Field RA. The transcriptome of Euglena gracilis reveals unexpected metabolic capabilities for carbohydrate and natural product biochemistry. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2016; 11:2808-20. [PMID: 26289754 DOI: 10.1039/c5mb00319a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Euglena gracilis is a highly complex alga belonging to the green plant line that shows characteristics of both plants and animals, while in evolutionary terms it is most closely related to the protozoan parasites Trypanosoma and Leishmania. This well-studied organism has long been known as a rich source of vitamins A, C and E, as well as amino acids that are essential for the human diet. Here we present de novo transcriptome sequencing and preliminary analysis, providing a basis for the molecular and functional genomics studies that will be required to direct metabolic engineering efforts aimed at enhancing the quality and quantity of high value products from E. gracilis. The transcriptome contains over 30,000 protein-encoding genes, supporting metabolic pathways for lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates and vitamins, along with capabilities for polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide biosynthesis. The metabolic and environmental robustness of Euglena is supported by a substantial capacity for responding to biotic and abiotic stress: it has the capacity to deploy three separate pathways for vitamin C (ascorbate) production, as well as producing vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and, in addition to glutathione, the redox-active thiols nor-trypanothione and ovothiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis C O'Neill
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.
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Mokrosnop VM, Polishchuk AV, Zolotareva EK. Accumulation of α-tocopherol and β-carotene in Euglena gracilis Cells Under Autotrophic and Mixotrophic Culture Conditions. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683816020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Applicability of Euglena gracilis for biorefineries demonstrated by the production of α-tocopherol and paramylon followed by anaerobic digestion. J Biotechnol 2015; 215:72-9. [PMID: 25910451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In this study the use of Euglena gracilis biomass for α-tocopherol, paramylon and biogas production in a value-added chain was investigated. Therefore, we analyzed the dry cell weight and product concentrations at different growth phases during heterotrophic, photoheterotrophic and photoautotrophic cultivation in a low-cost minimal medium. Furthermore, the specific biogas yields for differently derived biomass with and without product recovery were investigated. We demonstrate that growth phase and cultivation mode not only have a significant impact on product formation, but also influence the yield of biogas obtained from anaerobic digestion of Euglena gracilis biomass. The maximum dry cell weight concentration ranged from 12.3±0.14gL(-1) for heterotrophically to 3.4±0.02gL(-1) for photoautotrophically grown Euglena gracilis cells. The heterotrophically grown biomass accumulated product concentrations of 5.3±0.12mgL(-1) of α-tocopherol and 9.3±0.1gL(-1) of paramylon or 805±10.9mL of biogasgvs(-1) (per gram volatile solids). The results for photoautotrophically grown cells were 8.6±0.22mgL(-1) of α-tocopherol and 0.78±0.01gL(-1) of paramylon or 648±7.2mL of biogasgvs(-1). For an energy-saving downstream procedure the extracting agent methanol does not have to be removed strictly. Samples with residual methanol showed a significantly increased biogas yield, because the solvent can be used as an additional substrate for methane production by archaebacteria.
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Krajčovič J, Schwartzbach SD. Euglenoid flagellates: a multifaceted biotechnology platform. J Biotechnol 2014; 202:135-45. [PMID: 25527385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Euglenoid flagellates are mainly fresh water protists growing in highly diverse environments making them well-suited for a multiplicity of biotechnology applications. Phototrophic euglenids possesses complex chloroplasts of green algal origin bounded by three membranes. Euglena nuclear and plastid genome organization, gene structure and gene expression are distinctly different from other organisms. Our observations on the model organism Euglena gracilis indicate that transcription of both the plastid and nuclear genome is insensitive to environmental changes and that gene expression is regulated mainly at the post-transcriptional level. Euglena plastids have been proposed as a site for the production of proteins and value added metabolites of biotechnological interest. Euglena has been shown to be a suitable protist species to be used for production of several compounds that are used in the production of cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals, such as α-tocopherol, wax esters, polyunsaturated fatty acids, biotin and tyrosine. The storage polysaccharide, paramylon, has immunostimulatory properties and has shown a promise for biomaterials production. Euglena biomass can be used as a nutritional supplement in aquaculture and in animal feed. Diverse applications of Euglena in environmental biotechnology include ecotoxicological risk assessment, heavy metal bioremediation, bioremediation of industrial wastewater and contaminated water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juraj Krajčovič
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Steven D Schwartzbach
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152-3560, USA
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Induction of a photomixotrophic plant cell culture of Helianthus annuus and optimization of culture conditions for improved α-tocopherol production. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2013; 98:2029-40. [PMID: 24318010 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-013-5431-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tocopherols, collectively known as vitamin E, are lipophilic antioxidants, which are synthesized only by photosynthetic organisms. Due to their enormous potential to protect cells from oxidative damage, tocopherols are used, e.g., as nutraceuticals and additives in pharmaceuticals. The most biologically active form of vitamin E is α-tocopherol. Most tocopherols are currently produced via chemical synthesis. Nevertheless, this always results in a racemic mixture of different and less effective stereoisomers because the natural isomer has the highest biological activity. Therefore, tocopherols synthesized in natural sources are preferred for medical purposes. The annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a well-known source for α-tocopherol. Within the presented work, sunflower callus and suspension cultures were established growing under photomixotrophic conditions to enhance α-tocopherol yield. The most efficient callus induction was achieved with sunflower stems cultivated on solid Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 30 g l(-1) sucrose, 0.5 mg l(-1) of the auxin 1-naphthalene acetic acid, and 0.5 mg l(-1) of the cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine. Photomixotrophic sunflower suspension cultures were induced by transferring previously established callus into liquid medium. The effects of light intensity, sugar concentration, and culture age on growth rate and α-tocopherol synthesis rate were characterized. A considerable increase (max. 230%) of α-tocopherol production in the cells was obtained within the photomixotrophic cell culture compared to a heterotrophic cell culture. These results will be useful for improving α-tocopherol yields of plant in vitro cultures.
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Falk J, Munné-Bosch S. Tocochromanol functions in plants: antioxidation and beyond. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2010; 61:1549-66. [PMID: 20385544 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erq030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Tocopherols and tocotrienols, collectively known as tocochromanols, are lipid-soluble molecules that belong to the group of vitamin E compounds and are essential in the human diet. Not surprisingly, most of what is known about the biological functions of tocochromanols comes from studies of mammalian systems, yet they have been shown to be synthesized only by photosynthetic organisms. The last decade has seen a radical change in the appreciation of the biological role of tocochromanols in plants thanks to a detailed characterization of mutant and transgenic plants, including several Arabidopsis thaliana mutants, the sucrose export defective1 (sxd1) maize mutant, and some transgenic potato and tobacco lines altered in tocochromanol biosynthesis. Recent findings indicate that tocopherols may play important roles in plants beyond their antioxidant function in photosynthetic membranes. Plants deficient in tocopherols show alterations in germination and export of photoassimilates, and growth, leaf senescence, and plant responses to abiotic stresses, thus suggesting that tocopherols may influence a number of physiological processes in plants. Thus, in this review not only the antioxidant function of tocochromanols in plants, but also these new emerging possible roles will be considered. Particular attention will be paid to specific roles attributed to different tocopherol homologues (particularly alpha- and gamma-tocopherol) and the possible functions of tocotrienols, which in contrast to tocopherols are only present in a range of unrelated plant groups and are almost exclusively found in seeds and fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Falk
- Carlsberg Research Center, 10 Gamle Carlsberg Vej, DK-2500 Valby, Denmark
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