The biomolecules of Euglena gracilis: Harnessing biology for natural solutions to future problems

Bedard, S; Roxborough, E; O'Neill, E; Mangal, V

Abstract

Over the past decade, the autotrophic and heterotrophic protist Euglena gracilis (E. gracilis) has gained popularity across the studies of environmental science, biosynthesis experiments, and nutritional substitutes. The unique physiology and versatile metabolism of E. gracilis have been a recent topic of interest to many researchers who continue to understand the complexity and possibilities of using E. gracilis biomolecule production. In this review, we present a comprehensive representation of recent literature outlining the various uses of biomolecules derived from E. gracilis across the fields of natural product biosynthesis, as a nutritional substitute, and as bioremediation tools. In addition, we highlight effective strategies for altering metabolite production using abiotic stressors and growth conditions. To better understand metabolite biosynthesis and its role in E. gracilis, integrated studies involving genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics should be considered. Together, we show how the ongoing advancements in E. gracilis related research continue to broaden applications in the biosynthetic sector and highlight future works that would strengthen our understanding of overall Euglena metabolism.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 16, 2024
• Online Publication Date: May 31, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-08
• Deposit Date: May 31, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 4, 2024
• Journal: Protist
• Print ISSN: 1434-4610
• Electronic ISSN: 1618-0941
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 175
• Issue: 4
• Article Number: 126044
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.protis.2024.126044
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/35440890
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1434461024000361?via%3Dihub
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: The biomolecules of Euglena gracilis: Harnessing biology for natural solutions to future problems; Journal Title: Protist; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.protis.2024.126044; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier GmbH.