Modulation of fatty acids and hydrocarbons in Anabaena 7120 and its ntcA mutant under calcium.

Calcium being a signaling molecule and mediator of cell response, we examined the modulation in fatty acid and hydrocarbon profiles of wild type cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 and its ntcA mutant under the influence of different calcium chloride concentrations (0-10 mM). Dynamic modifications in fatty acid and hydrocarbon profile were evident through GC-FID analysis of extracted lipids. In the wild type, increase in CaCl₂ (10 mM) resulted in unsaturation of fatty acids (observed in terms of high MUFA/PUFA ratio) while hydrocarbon production was distinctly high in the mutant strain compared to wild type at all tested concentrations. The synthesis of short chain hydrocarbons (C5-C8) were dominated at inhibitory concentration (10 mM CaCl₂) in mutant strain. Results suggest that the increase in MUFA/PUFA ratio at inhibitory concentration in wild type, and higher percentage of hydrocarbons in mutant strain, may be attributed to the survival and acclimation strategies under altered calcium environment. Our results also suggest the involvement of the ntcA gene (master regulator of N₂ metabolism) in regulation of carbon metabolism; specifically fatty acid, hydrocarbon, and other metabolic compounds essential for maintenance and sustenance of growth under stress condition. Thus, our study outlines basic acclimation response along with possibilities of production of fatty acid and hydrocarbon derived biofuel and other bioactive compounds in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 under altered calcium levels which could be of biotechnological interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]