Enhanced cold tolerance mechanisms in Euglena gracilis: comparative analysis of pre-adaptation and direct low-temperature exposure

IntroductionMicroalgae, known for their adaptability to extreme environments, are important for basic research and industrial applications. Euglena, unique for its lack of a cell wall, has garnered attention due to its versatility and the presence of bioactive compounds. Despite its potential, few s...

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Main Authors: Shuai Yuan, Wen Fu, Ming Du, Rao Yao, Dan Zhang, Chao Li, Zixi Chen, Jiangxin Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-10-01
Series:Frontiers in Microbiology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1465351/full
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author Shuai Yuan
Shuai Yuan
Wen Fu
Ming Du
Rao Yao
Dan Zhang
Chao Li
Zixi Chen
Jiangxin Wang
author_facet Shuai Yuan
Shuai Yuan
Wen Fu
Ming Du
Rao Yao
Dan Zhang
Chao Li
Zixi Chen
Jiangxin Wang
author_sort Shuai Yuan
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionMicroalgae, known for their adaptability to extreme environments, are important for basic research and industrial applications. Euglena, unique for its lack of a cell wall, has garnered attention due to its versatility and the presence of bioactive compounds. Despite its potential, few studies have focused on Euglena’s cold adaptation mechanisms.MethodsThis study investigates the cold adaptation mechanisms of Euglena gracilis, a microalga found in highly diverse environmental habitats, by comparing its growth, photosynthetic performance, and physiological and biochemical responses under two low-temperature cultivation modes: pre-adaptation to 16°C followed by exposure to 4°C (PreC) and direct exposure to 4°C (DirC).Results and discussionIn this study, the PreC group exhibited superior growth rates, higher photosynthetic efficiency, and more excellent antioxidant activity compared to the DirC group. These advantages were attributed to higher levels of protective compounds, enhanced membrane stability, and increased unsaturated fatty acid content. The PreC group’s ability to maintain higher cell vitality under cold stress conditions underscores the significance of pre-adaptation in enhancing cold tolerance. The findings from this research provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying cold adaptation in E. gracilis, emphasizing the benefits of pre-adaptation. These insights are crucial for optimizing the cultivation of algal species under cold stress conditions, which is essential for both biotechnological applications and ecological studies. This study not only advances our understanding of Euglena’s adaptive responses to low temperatures but also contributes to the broader field of algal research and its industrial exploitation.
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spelling doaj-art-2fc966adaaef4e6aadc6145b8df46c142025-08-20T02:15:12ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Microbiology1664-302X2024-10-011510.3389/fmicb.2024.14653511465351Enhanced cold tolerance mechanisms in Euglena gracilis: comparative analysis of pre-adaptation and direct low-temperature exposureShuai Yuan0Shuai Yuan1Wen Fu2Ming Du3Rao Yao4Dan Zhang5Chao Li6Zixi Chen7Jiangxin Wang8School of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaHainan Chenhai Aquatic Co., Ltd., Sanya, ChinaSchool of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaSchool of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaSchool of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaMechanical Engineering College, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi’an, ChinaSchool of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaSchool of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaSchool of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaIntroductionMicroalgae, known for their adaptability to extreme environments, are important for basic research and industrial applications. Euglena, unique for its lack of a cell wall, has garnered attention due to its versatility and the presence of bioactive compounds. Despite its potential, few studies have focused on Euglena’s cold adaptation mechanisms.MethodsThis study investigates the cold adaptation mechanisms of Euglena gracilis, a microalga found in highly diverse environmental habitats, by comparing its growth, photosynthetic performance, and physiological and biochemical responses under two low-temperature cultivation modes: pre-adaptation to 16°C followed by exposure to 4°C (PreC) and direct exposure to 4°C (DirC).Results and discussionIn this study, the PreC group exhibited superior growth rates, higher photosynthetic efficiency, and more excellent antioxidant activity compared to the DirC group. These advantages were attributed to higher levels of protective compounds, enhanced membrane stability, and increased unsaturated fatty acid content. The PreC group’s ability to maintain higher cell vitality under cold stress conditions underscores the significance of pre-adaptation in enhancing cold tolerance. The findings from this research provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying cold adaptation in E. gracilis, emphasizing the benefits of pre-adaptation. These insights are crucial for optimizing the cultivation of algal species under cold stress conditions, which is essential for both biotechnological applications and ecological studies. This study not only advances our understanding of Euglena’s adaptive responses to low temperatures but also contributes to the broader field of algal research and its industrial exploitation.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1465351/fullEuglena graciliscold tolerancelow-temperature adaptationpre-adaptationphotosynthetic efficiencyantioxidant system
spellingShingle Shuai Yuan
Shuai Yuan
Wen Fu
Ming Du
Rao Yao
Dan Zhang
Chao Li
Zixi Chen
Jiangxin Wang
Enhanced cold tolerance mechanisms in Euglena gracilis: comparative analysis of pre-adaptation and direct low-temperature exposure
Frontiers in Microbiology
Euglena gracilis
cold tolerance
low-temperature adaptation
pre-adaptation
photosynthetic efficiency
antioxidant system
title Enhanced cold tolerance mechanisms in Euglena gracilis: comparative analysis of pre-adaptation and direct low-temperature exposure
title_full Enhanced cold tolerance mechanisms in Euglena gracilis: comparative analysis of pre-adaptation and direct low-temperature exposure
title_fullStr Enhanced cold tolerance mechanisms in Euglena gracilis: comparative analysis of pre-adaptation and direct low-temperature exposure
title_full_unstemmed Enhanced cold tolerance mechanisms in Euglena gracilis: comparative analysis of pre-adaptation and direct low-temperature exposure
title_short Enhanced cold tolerance mechanisms in Euglena gracilis: comparative analysis of pre-adaptation and direct low-temperature exposure
title_sort enhanced cold tolerance mechanisms in euglena gracilis comparative analysis of pre adaptation and direct low temperature exposure
topic Euglena gracilis
cold tolerance
low-temperature adaptation
pre-adaptation
photosynthetic efficiency
antioxidant system
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1465351/full
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