Transcriptome analysis of carotenoids biosynthesis in Schizochytrium limacinum B4D1 by methanol induction.

Schizochytrium is a microalgae-like fungus and is widely used for producing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It was also a promising source of carotenoids. We found methanol could decrease biomass, lipid, squalene and sterols accumulation, but increase carotenoids (mainly astaxanthin) content. In order to explain this phenomenon, 3 different methanol concentration (0% (C), 3.2% (L) and 5.6% (H)) were performed by Schizochytrium limacinum B4D1 to get potential genes related to cell growth, lipid, squalene, sterols and carotenoids accumulation.