A mutant of the green alga Dunaliella salina constitutively accumulates zeaxanthin under all growth conditions

Biotechnol Bioeng. 2003 Jan 5;81(1):115-24. doi: 10.1002/bit.10459.

Abstract

A novel mutant (zea1) of the halotolerant unicellular green alga Dunaliella salina is impaired in the zeaxanthin epoxidation reaction, thereby lacking a number of the beta-branch xanthophylls. HPLC analysis revealed that the zea1 mutant lacks neoxanthin (N), violaxanthin (V) and antheraxanthin (A) but constitutively accumulates zeaxanthin (Z). Under low-light physiological growth conditions, the zea1 (6 mg Z per g dry weight or 8 x 10(-16) mol Z/cell) had a substantially higher Z content than the wild type (0.2 mg Z per g dry weight or 0.5 x 10(-16) mol Z/cell). Lack of N, V, and A did not affect photosynthesis or growth of the zea1 strain. Biochemical analyses suggested that Z constitutively and quantitatively substitutes for N, V, and A in the zea1 strain. This mutant is discussed in terms of its commercial value and potential utilization by the algal biotechnology industry for the production of zeaxanthin, a high-value bioproduct.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chlorophyta / genetics
  • Chlorophyta / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Mutagenesis
  • Photosynthesis
  • Pigments, Biological / isolation & purification
  • Pigments, Biological / metabolism
  • Xanthophylls
  • Zeaxanthins
  • beta Carotene / analogs & derivatives*
  • beta Carotene / metabolism*

Substances

  • Pigments, Biological
  • Xanthophylls
  • Zeaxanthins
  • beta Carotene