Production of rare fatty acid and mechanism of its biosynthesis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K14774
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 38020:Applied microbiology-related
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University (2023); University of Shizuoka (2021)
• Principal Investigator: Kikukawa Hiroshi 北海道大学, 工学研究院, 准教授 (80758805)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 抗菌性脂質 / ビフィズス菌 / C16モノエン酸 / 黄色ブドウ球菌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

C16 unsaturated fatty acids (C16:1, C16 monoenoic acid) have strictly selective antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. We have previously found 7cis-C16:1 production in the probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum. In this study, we will focus on the production of 7cis-C16:1 to elucidate the biosynthesis mechanism of this rare fatty acid and to utilize the basic findings for high production of fatty acids.
During the study period, we attempted to analyze lipid classes of bifidobacteria and fatty acid profiling, transcriptome analysis by RNAseq, genome analysis of a C16:1 high producing strain, introduction of gene expression system in bifidobacteria, and triacylglycerol synthesis system to increase fatty acid production.

Free Research Field

応用微生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年、アトピー性皮膚炎は皮膚常在性の黄色ブドウ球菌 Staphylococcus aureus により炎症が惹起され重症化することが明らかとなってきた。C16モノエン酸は、黄色ブドウ球菌に強い抗菌活性を示す一方で、近縁種でありながら黄色ブドウ球菌の制菌や肌の保湿効果を示す“美肌菌”として知られる表皮ブドウ球菌S. epidermidis には抗菌性を示さないといった、厳密な選択的抗菌活性をもつ。これまでに、ビフィズス菌にC16モノエン酸の生産を見出しており、ビフィズス菌による脂質生化学、脂質工学に資するだけでなく、C16モノエン酸の高生産が実現すれば、ビフィズス菌によるスキンケアを開拓できる。