The lipid metabolism in thraustochytrids. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morabito, Christian; Bournaud, Caroline; Maës, Cécile; Schuler, Martin; Aiese Cigliano, Riccardo; Dellero, Younès; Maréchal, Eric; Amato, Alberto; Rébeillé, Fabrice
• Is Part Of: Progress in lipid research. Volume 76(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Triacylglycerol (TAG) -- Carotenoids -- PUFA synthase -- Squalene -- Thraustochytrids -- ω3-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) -- Lipid metabolism -- Nitrogen deficiency; FA fatty acid -- PUFA polyunsaturated fatty acid -- VLCPUFA very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid -- FAS fatty acid synthase -- PUFAS polyunsaturated fatty acid synthase -- PKS polyketide synthase -- DHA docosahexaenoic acid (22:6) -- DPA docosapentaenoic acid (22:5) -- EPA eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5) -- ARA arachidonic acid (20:4) -- PC phosphatidylcholine -- PE phosphatidylethanolamine -- PI phosphatidylinositol -- PG phosphatidylglycerol -- PS phosphatidylserine -- PA phosphatidic acid -- DPG diphosphatidylglycerol (cardiolipin) -- DAG diacylglycerol -- TAG triacylglycerol -- KS β-ketoacyl synthase -- MAT malonyl-CoA:ACP transacylase -- ACP acyl-carrier protein. -- KR β-ketoreductase -- DH dehydratase -- CLF chain length factor -- AT acyl transferase -- ER enoyl-reductase -- DH/I dehydratase/isomerase; Lipids -- Periodicals; Lipids -- Periodicals; Lipides -- Périodiques; Lipiden; 572.57
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2019.101007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-7827

Abstract

Abstract: Thraustochytrids are unicellular heterotrophic marine protists of the Stramenopile group, often considered as non-photosynthetic microalgae. They have been isolated from a wide range of habitats including deep sea, but are mostly present in waters rich in sediments and organic materials. They are abundant in mangrove forests where they are major colonizers, feeding on decaying leaves and initiating the mangrove food web. Discovered 80 years ago, they have recently attracted considerable attention due to their biotechnological potential. This interest arises from their fast growth, their specific lipid metabolism and the improvement of the genetic tools and transformation techniques. These organisms are particularly rich in ω3-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an 'essential' fatty acid poorly encountered in land plants and animals but required for human health. To produce their DHA, thraustochytrids use a sophisticated system different from the classical fatty acid synthase system. They are also a potential source of squalene and carotenoids. Here we review our current knowledge about the life cycle, ecophysiology, and metabolism of these organisms, with a particular focus on lipid dynamics. We describe the different pathways involved in lipid and fatty acid syntheses, emphasizing their specificity, and we report on the recent efforts aimed to engineer their lipid metabolism.