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Metolachlor-Mediated Selection of a Microalgal Strain Producing Novel Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

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Abstract

Long-chain (≥ C20) polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, are nutritionally important and provide protection against cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer. Structural variants of these compounds may have the potential to be used as pharmaceuticals. Marine microalgae are the key producers of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the global food web. Assuming vast biological and biochemical diversity, we devised a screen to identify microalgae that produce novel fatty acids. The herbicide metolachlor, an inhibitor of long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis, was used in microcosms containing field-collected microalgae to identify naturally resistant strains. We show that one diatom, Melosira cf. moniliformis, is naturally resistant to concentrations of metolachlor, which were cytostatic or lethal to all the other microalgae. Gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed three fatty acids that have not previously been described-18:4 (Δ5,8,11,14), 18:4 (Δ5,9,12,15), and 18:5 (Δ5,8,11,14,17). We propose that this type of screen may be generally applicable to the search of novel compounds produced by marine microorganisms.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dion Frampton for assistance with algal culturing, Ian Jameson for identification of the Melosira cf. moniliformis, and Peter Nichols and Malcolm Brown for critical reading of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, GPO Box 1538, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia

    Stanley Robert, Maged P. Mansour & Susan I. Blackburn

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  1. Stanley Robert
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  2. Maged P. Mansour
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  3. Susan I. Blackburn
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Correspondence to Stanley Robert.

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Robert, S., Mansour, M.P. & Blackburn, S.I. Metolachlor-Mediated Selection of a Microalgal Strain Producing Novel Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. Mar Biotechnol 9, 146–153 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10126-006-6102-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10126-006-6102-9

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