Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sulin Lou, Xin Lin, Chenglong Liu, Muhammad Anwar, Hui Li, Zhangli Hu
Summary: This study successfully cloned CvLCYE, an evolutionarily conserved lycopene cyclase in the genome of lutein-rich green algae Chlorella vulgaris. Homology and UPGMA tree analysis confirmed its high similarity with other aquatic green algae. Functional experiments demonstrated CvLCYE's ability to catalyze lycopene conversion, offering insight into its positive role in lutein synthesis and potential for molecular breeding in algae.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
G. Rivero-Manzanilla, J. A. Narvaez-Zapata, M. Aguilar-Espinosa, V. M. Carballo-Uicab, R. Rivera-Madrid
Summary: Lycopene cyclases (LCYs) play a crucial role in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in plants. This study explored the LCY gene structure in Bixa orellana L. and its relationship with carotenoid synthesis. The analysis revealed variations in the coding sequences and putative transcription factor binding sites of the LCY genes. Additionally, LCY expression was found to be upregulated in photosynthetic tissues, particularly in the synthesis of essential carotenoids. The study also identified a specific LCY gene that was upregulated in non-photosynthetic tissues related to bixin accumulation.
PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Meijing Liu, Wei Ding, Lihua Yu, Ying Shi, Jin Liu
Summary: In this study, the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in Nannochloropsis oceanica was reconstructed and two key carotenogenic genes, NoPDS and NoLCYB, were functionally validated. Results showed that NoLCYB played a rate-limiting role in carotenoid biosynthesis in N. oceanica. Additionally, a NoPDS variant was developed as a selectable marker gene alternative for genetic manipulation of N. oceanica. This study not only expands our understanding of carotenoid biosynthesis in N. oceanica, but also provides a useful tool for future genetic engineering of this alga.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yiguang Wang, Chao Zhang, Bin Xu, Jianxin Fu, Yanxia Du, Qiu Fang, Bin Dong, Hongbo Zhao
Summary: This study investigated how temperature regulates the floral color and carotenoid accumulation in sweet osmanthus. The results showed that high temperature suppressed floral coloration and carotenoid accumulation, while low temperature enhanced them. These findings help reveal the regulatory mechanism of temperature on carotenoid accumulation in the petals of sweet osmanthus.
Article
Horticulture
Yingwei Qi, Hanxiao Wu, Jia Liu, Lijuan Chen, Zitao Jiang, Yujie Zhang, Xueting Tian, Rui Li, Yong Yang, Xiaolin Ren
Summary: The study aimed to characterize the functional role of DkLCYb in carotenoid biosynthesis in persimmon fruit. DkLCYb was found to play an essential role in the accumulation of carotenoids during fruit development and postharvest ripening, with more carotenoids accumulating during postharvest storage. The gene showed a high correlation with the accumulation of beta-carotene in persimmon fruit.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shi-Ying Cen, Da-Wei Li, Xue-Ling Huang, Dan Huang, Srinivasan Balamurugan, Wan-Jun Liu, Jian-Wei Zheng, Wei-Dong Yang, Hong-Ye Li
Summary: Identification and overexpression of critical carotenogenic genes in Phaeodactylum tricornutum successfully increased the content of fucoxanthin and beta-carotene without affecting the physiological properties and biomass production of the algae, demonstrating a promising strategy for commercial production of algal carotenoids.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Carolina Rosas-Saavedra, Luis Felipe Quiroz, Samuel Parra, Christian Gonzalez-Calquin, Daniela Arias, Nallat Ocarez, Franco Lopez, Claudia Stange
Summary: Carotenoids, such as alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, are synthesized in plants through a pathway involving the enzyme lycopene beta-cyclase (LCYB). In this study, DcLCYB2, a gene mainly expressed in mature storage roots of carrot, was determined to encode a functional LCYB enzyme with plastid localization. Ectopic expression of DcLCYB2 in tobacco and kiwi plants increased total carotenoid content and improved their performance under salt treatments. These findings suggest DcLCYB2 as a potential candidate for engineering carotenoid-enriched crops and crops resilient to saline environments.
Article
Plant Sciences
Anqi Peng, Xiaoyan Tang, Yingying Feng, Yun Huang, Jilai Cui, Kai Tian, Mengqian Lu, Yifan Zhao, Yuting Pan, Sanjin Wang, Yutong Hu, Wei Zhao, Chuankui Song, Qiang Wang
Summary: Carotenoids play an essential role in tea quality and their biosynthesis regulation mechanism has been analyzed in this study. The results provide valuable information for tea producers to select cultivars based on carotenoid profiles and suggest a potential application of lycopene cyclases in breeding tea varieties with different branch carotenoids.
HORTICULTURAL PLANT JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Yan Wang, Yajing Hao, Dandan Zhou, Leiqing Pan, Kang Tu
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare the commercial quality parameters, carotenoids and sugars in two different nectarine cultivars ('Zijinhong' and 'Ruiguang') during low temperature storage. The yellow-fleshed cultivar 'Zijinhong' had higher storability and slower decrease in fruit firmness compared to the white-fleshed 'Ruiguang'. Both cultivars showed increased carotenoid accumulation and inhibition of glucose and fructose degradation. Glucose was found to be positively correlated with total carotenoid content.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Janusz Strychalski, Andrzej Gugolek, Edyta Kaczorek-Lukowska, Zofia Antoszkiewicz, Paulius Matusevicius
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of BCO2 genotype and dietary supplementation with marigold flower extract on the expression of specific genes and the concentration of certain compounds in the adipose tissue and brain of rabbits. The findings suggest that the BCO2 genotype may influence gene expression in both tissues, and an increase in lutein intake may further enhance gene expression. Additionally, carotenoid and alpha-tocopherol content was found to increase in the tissues of rabbits with a specific BCO2 genotype.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Janusz Strychalski, Andrzej Gugolek, Zofia Antoszkiewicz, Dorota Fopp-Bayat, Edyta Kaczorek-Lukowska, Anna Snarska, Grzegorz Zwierzchowski, Angelika Krol-Grzymala, Paulius Matusevicius
Summary: This study investigated the effect of BCO2 genotype and the addition of Aztec marigold flower extract to rabbit diets on the expression of BCO1, BCO2, LRAT, and TTPA genes in the liver. The results suggest that BCO2 genotype may affect the expression levels of these genes in rabbits. Additionally, adding marigold extract to the diet of BCO2 del/del rabbits increases the expression level of the BCO2 gene.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jaime Zacarias-Garcia, Paul J. Cronje, Gianfranco Diretto, Lorenzo Zacarias, Maria Jesus Rodrigo
Summary: Kirkwood Navel and Ruby Valencia are spontaneous bud mutations of sweet orange that exhibit red pigmentation in the pulp. These mutants accumulate higher levels of carotenoids compared to standard oranges, with an altered carotenoid profile. The mutation affects not only the fruit, but also other carotenogenic tissues of the mutant plants, resulting in a different carotenoid composition. The transcriptional profile of carotenoid metabolism-related genes and lycopene cyclase genes did not explain the observed differences in carotenoid composition.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Rui Guo, Tao Liu, Caina Guo, Gongshui Chen, Jingdie Fan, Qi Zhang
Summary: By knocking out the carotenoid biosynthesis gene, it was found that carotenoid biosynthesis in the YM25235 strain is closely related to low-temperature adaptation, and inhibition of synthesis leads to higher ROS levels and decreased growth rate.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Taeko Shibaya, Chika Kuroda, Hisano Tsuruoka, Chiharu Minami, Akiko Obara, Shinobu Nakayama, Yoshie Kishida, Takayoshi Fujii, Sachiko Isobe
Summary: Association analysis and QTL analysis based on SNP data identified 21 significant QTL related to carotenoid contents and root color in carrot breeding. Candidate genes related to color evaluation and carotene ratio were suggested, and a DNA marker was developed to distinguish color differences in carrot breeding lines. This study contributes to understanding carotenoid biosynthesis and accumulation in orange carrots.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ya-Hui Wang, Yu-Qing Zhang, Rong-Rong Zhang, Fei-Yun Zhuang, Hui Liu, Zhi-Sheng Xu, Ai-Sheng Xiong
Summary: The DcLCYE gene is associated with carrot root color, with red carrots having lower expression levels compared to orange carrots. Red carrots accumulate more lycopene and less alpha-carotene.
Article
Fisheries
Rosa Leon, Maria Ruiz, Yulema Valero, Constanza Cardenas, Fanny Guzman, Marta Vila, Alberto Cuesta
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Leon-Vaz, Luis C. Romero, Cecilia Gotor, Rosa Leon, Javier Vigara
Summary: This study investigated the effect of cadmium on the microalga Chlorella sorokiniana through a proteomic approach, revealing adjustments in various metabolic pathways and an increase in pathways such as photorespiration and antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, it was found that Chlorella sorokiniana exhibits high tolerance to cadmium exposure, suggesting its potential use in bioremediation processes.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
A. Cuesta, M. Vila, A. Molina-Marquez, C. Carbajo, J. A. Lebron, M. Lopez-Lopez, P. Lopez-Cornejo, M. L. Moya, M. Lopez-Sanmartin, J. R. Lopez, J. I. Navas, J. Vigara, R. Leon
Summary: The addition of terminal tags to caerin significantly reduces its antiviral activity against studied viruses, with varying effects on bactericidal activity against different bacterial species. However, caerin with a 6xHis extension at its N terminus maintains or increases its antimicrobial activity against most fish pathogenic bacteria. The experimental observations show only a moderate agreement with theoretical predictions, highlighting the need for further research in the rational design of strategies for recombinant production of antimicrobial peptides in aquaculture.
Article
Biology
Patricia Gomez-Villegas, Javier Vigara, Luis Romero, Cecilia Gotor, Sara Raposo, Brigida Goncalves, Rosa Leon
Summary: Amylases are enzymes that break down starch into sugars and are considered valuable for industrial applications. Haloarchaea, living in extreme environments, are ideal sources for novel proteins that can tolerate harsh conditions. The screening of haloarchaea from Odiel salterns in Spain led to the identification of Haloarcula sp. HS, which showed poly-extremotolerant amylase activities and potential for treating bakery waste under high salinity conditions.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yulema Valero, Carmen Gonzalez-Fernandez, Constanza Cardenas, Fanny Guzman, Rosa Leon, Alberto Cuesta
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are small molecules with potential antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects, with NK-lysin being a crucial molecule in both innate immunity and cell-mediated cytotoxic responses. Studies have shown that NK-lysin derived peptides (NKLPs) have direct antiviral activity against nervous necrosis virus (NNV) in vitro, making them a potential prophylactic treatment for European sea bass. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action and applicability of NKLPs in the aquaculture industry.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Inmaculada Couso, Amanda L. Smythers, Megan M. Ford, James G. Umen, Jose L. Crespo, Leslie M. Hicks
Summary: This study reveals the synergistic role of inositol pyrophosphates and TOR signaling in coordinating cell growth and lipid metabolism in green algae. The inhibitory effect of rapamycin on TOR signaling is more significant in the vip1-1 mutant compared to wild-type, highlighting the independent yet coordinated interaction between InsPs and TOR. Additionally, phosphorylation patterns of photosystem proteins are affected by light stress and other stresses, indicating a novel role for inositol pyrophosphates and TOR signaling in response to environmental cues.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. Constantino, B. Rodrigues, R. Leon, R. Barros, S. Raposo
Summary: This study focused on the chemo-enzymatic hydrolysis of lyophilized biomass of different microalgae and subsequent fermentation, with a defined strategy showing a significant increase in reducing sugar yield. Selected microalgae hydrolysates showed high ethanol production, with Chlorella sorokiniana standing out as the best hydrolysate for ethanol production.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Antonio Leon-Vaz, Rosa Leon, Inmaculada Giraldez, Jose Maria Vega, Javier Vigara
Summary: The microalga Chlorella sorokiniana was tested for bioremediation of heavy metals pollution, showing significant inhibition on growth and ammonium consumption at high concentrations of Cu2+ and As (III). It exhibited outstanding Cd accumulation ability, with antioxidant enzymes and enzymes involved in glutamate synthesis showing different levels of upregulation in response to Cd and As stress, except for the downregulation of GS expression.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Kaouther Sahli, Mohamed Amine Gomri, Julia Esclapez, Patricia Gomez-Villegas, Maria-Jose Bonete, Rosa Leon, Karima Kharroub
Summary: This study presents the analysis of carotenoids from halophilic archaea strains, which show strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These findings suggest promising prospects for biotechnological applications of carotenoids from these strains.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patricia Gomez-Villegas, Jose Luis Guerrero, Miguel Perez-Rodriguez, Juan Pedro Bolivar, Javier Vigara, Rosa Leon
Summary: This study provides the first description of prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity in the phosphogypsum stacks of Huelva, Spain, and presents sequencing data and taxonomic assignments.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rocio Rengel, Inmaculada Giraldez, Manuel J. Diaz, Trinidad Garcia, Javier Vigara, Rosa Leon
Summary: Replacement of fossil fuels can be achieved by using bio-based procedures to produce fine chemicals. The microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was selected for its ability to accumulate starch, which provides an environmentally-friendly alternative source of chemical building blocks. The study optimized the hydrolysis conditions of algal biomass to produce lipophilic coproducts. The results showed that Chlamydomonas can be used as a sustainable feedstock for the simultaneous production of high-added value lipophilic compounds and platform chemicals.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Emma Serrano-Perez, Ana B. Romero-Losada, Maria Morales-Pineda, M. Elena Garcia-Gomez, Inmaculada Couso, Mercedes Garcia-Gonzalez, Francisco J. Romero-Campero
Summary: This study conducted an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis on the facultative terrestrial early charophyte alga Klebsormidium nitens to uncover key mechanisms involved in the early steps of plants terrestrialization. The analysis revealed the activation of various systems including chloroplast retrograde signaling, xanthophyll cycle, protein folding and repair mechanisms, cyclic electron flow, and non-photochemical quenching mechanisms. Additionally, exclusive embryophyta systems for the synthesis, sensing, and response to the phytohormone auxin were also activated under high light in K. nitens. The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that facilitated plant terrestrialization.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Morales-Pineda, Maria Elena Garcia-Gomez, Rodrigo Bedera-Garcia, Mercedes Garcia-Gonzalez, Inmaculada Couso
Summary: High concentrations of CO2 promote growth and photosynthetic capacity in Chlorella strains, and also affect the levels of signaling molecules, inositol polyphosphates, which impact cell signaling and energy levels. Further investigation of the connections between carbon assimilation and cell signaling by polyphosphate inositols in microalgae is important for optimizing their biotechnological applications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ariel Chazan, Ishita Das, Takayoshi Fujiwara, Shunya Murakoshi, Andrey Rozenberg, Ana Molina-Marquez, Fumiya K. Sano, Tatsuki Tanaka, Patricia Gomez-Villegas, Shirley Larom, Alina Pushkarev, Partha Malakar, Masumi Hasegawa, Yuya Tsukamoto, Tomohiro Ishizuka, Masae Konno, Takashi Nagata, Yosuke Mizuno, Kota Katayama, Rei Abe-Yoshizumi, Sanford Ruhman, Keiichi Inoue, Hideki Kandori, Rosa Leon, Wataru Shihoya, Susumu Yoshizawa, Mordechai Sheves, Osamu Nureki, Oded Beja
Summary: Light-harvesting carotenoids, such as zeaxanthin and lutein, transfer energy to the retinal chromophore of xanthorhodopsins and proteorhodopsins, indicating their potential role in rhodopsin phototrophy in lakes, seas, and oceans.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Javier Avila-Roman, Patricia Gomez-Villegas, Carla C. C. R. de Carvalho, Javier Vigara, Virginia Motilva, Rosa Leon, Elena Talero
Summary: The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is important in the progression of inflammatory diseases. Antioxidants that can scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative damage are crucial for prevention and treatment of these diseases. Haloarchaea, extremely halophilic microorganisms that live in high-salt environments, have unique compounds with bioactive properties that have not been fully explored. This study aims to assess the potential of haloarchaea as a new source of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.