Fucoxanthin, a compound with anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity properties, can be produced in Isochrysis zhanjiangensis, a microalga. A key rate-limiting enzyme in MEP pathway for fucoxanthin biosynthesis is 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (IzDXS). This study aims to investigate the characteristics of IzDXS gene and protein and provide methods to enhance fucoxanthin yield considering its wide potential applications. Bioinformatic analysis, phylogenic analysis, and expression control experiments were conducted based on the sequence of IzDXS gene. Bioinformatic analyses revealed significant motifs and a new potential phosphorylation site, S154, in IzDXS. Phylogenetic analysis suggested a reevaluation of I. zhanjiangensis’s classification. Expression control results identified glycine as the most effective elicitor that increased fucoxanthin yield by 55.2 ± 4.1%, highlighting its unique role in enhancing IzDXS gene expression. Other elicitors increased IzDXS mRNA levels but not fucoxanthin yield, indicating complex interactions among transcriptional and post-translational processes affecting fucoxanthin synthesis. This study provides foundational data on DXS and fucoxanthin in I. zhanjiangensis, supporting further research into their biosynthesis and regulation.
Cite this paper
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