Improved lipid production and transcriptomic profiling in Crypthecodinium cohnii with alternative ethanol treatment

In the absence of light, the heterotrophic microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii accumulates lipids rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, limited genetic data restricts understanding of its metabolism, especially DHA synthesis with ethanol. Next-generation sequencing identified numerous transcripts for fatty acid and carbohydrate production. qRT-PCR confirmed increased expression of genes linked to energy, carbohydrate, lipid, terpenoid, and polyketide metabolism. Upregulation of genes in ethanol metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, glycerophospholipid, and pyruvate pathways raised acetyl-CoA and key metabolite precursors. Overall design: Comparison of Crypthecodinium cohnii cultured under 5 g/L glucose and 15 g/L ethanol conditions, collected on day 5