Transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational regulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid synthase genes in Aurantiochytrium limacinum strain BL10: Responses to nitrogen starvation.

Under nitrogen deficient conditions, the Aurantiochytrium limacinum strain BL10 greatly increases the production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and n-6 docosapentaenoic acid. Researchers have yet to elucidate the mechanism by which BL10 promotes the activity of polyunsaturated fatty acid synthase (Pfa), which plays a key role in the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Analysis in the current study revealed that in nitrogen-depleted environments, BL10 boosts the transcription and synthesis of proteins by facilitating the expression of pfa genes via transcriptional regulation. It was also determined that BL10 adjusts the lengths of the 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (suggesting post-transcriptional regulation) and modifies the ratio of two Pfa1 isoforms to favor PUFA production via post-translational regulation (ubiquitination). These findings clarify the exceptional DHA production of BL10 and provide additional insights into the regulatory mechanisms of PUFA biosynthesis in Aurantiochytrium.

Novel potential functions of amoeboid cells in thraustochytrids revealed by Aurantiochytrium limacinum BL10.

The current study investigated the potential functions of amoeboid cell formation and migration in a thraustochytrid strain, Aurantiochytrium limacinum BL10. Our results showed that: (1) When the surface of an agar plate was inoculated with BL10, amoeboid cells mainly emerged on the periphery of isolated colonies. The amoeboid cells then migrated outwards to form small vegetative cell clusters, which favored rapid colony expansion. In addition, amoeboid cells were capable of self-recognition (i.e. they were able to distinguish BL10 from other thraustochytrid species), and could choose whether to evade (self colonies) or approach (non-self colonies). These observations indicated that amoeboid cells were employed by BL10 to help colonize empty territories and to outcompete other thraustochytrid species in previously colonized territories. (2) When the agar medium was soft, amoeboid cells were able to penetrate the surface and migrate throughout, thereby allowing BL10 to colonize the interior of the solid matrix. This finding suggested that amoeboid cell formation and migration may help Aurantiochytrium colonize the interior of solid matrices to obtain additional nutrients and spatial resources. The mechanisms underlying the regulation of amoeboid cell formation and migration as well as the extraordinary microbial social behaviors of BL10 are also discussed in this article.