Title：
Characteristics and mechanism analysis of protein accumulation in Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa under different nutritional modes
Authors：
Corresponding
Author：
Kaixuan Wang, Du Cao, Yi Ding, Yahong Geng, Yeguang Li*, Zhongjie Wang*, Xiaobin Wen*
Pubyear：
2026
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Journal of Applied Phycology
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Abstract：
Microalgae are considered promising sources of high-quality protein due to their high protein content and productivity, with broad potential in food and agriculture. In this study, distinct protein contents were observed in Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa XQ-20044 under photoautotrophic (46.7%), mixotrophic (60.5%), and heterotrophic (27.4%) conditions at 36 h of cultivation. To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were conducted. Mixotrophic cultivation enhanced carbon and nitrogen assimilation and upregulated ribosomal protein expression, promoting protein biosynthesis. In contrast, heterotrophic conditions favored starch accumulation via the upregulation of starch biosynthesis-related genes and proteins. These metabolic shifts revealed a nutritional mode-dependent allocation between protein and starch. The integrative multi-omics analysis provides mechanistic insights into nutrient-driven reprogramming of cellular metabolism in microalgae. These findings provide mechanistic insight into protein accumulation in microalgae and support the development of efficient cultivation strategies for high-protein biomass production. Furthermore, it provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing nutritional regimes and selecting algal strains for protein applications, such as plant-based meat, functional feed, and sustainable protein supplements.
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