Multi-omics Analyses Provide Insight into the Biosynthesis Pathways of Fucoxanthin in Isochrysis galbana

Isochrysis galbana is considered an ideal bait for functional foods and nutraceuticals of humans because of its high fucoxanthin (Fx) content. However, multi-omics analysis of the regulatory networks for Fx biosynthesis in I. galbana has not been reported. In this study, we report a high-quality genome assembly of I. galbana LG007, which has a genome size of 92.73 Mb, with a contig N50 of 6.99 Mb and 14,900 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of Haptophyta, with I. galbana sister to Emiliania huxleyi and Chrysochromulina tobinii. Evolutionary analysis revealed an estimated divergence time between I. galbana and E. huxleyi of ∼ 133 million years ago. Gene family analysis indicated that lipid metabolism-related genes exhibited significant expansion, including IgPLMT, IgOAR1, and IgDEGS1. Metabolome analysis showed that the content of carotenoids in I. galbana cultured under green light for 7 days was higher than that under white light, and β-carotene was the main carotenoid, accounting for 79.09% of the total carotenoids. Comprehensive multi-omics analysis revealed that the content of β-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, and Fx was increased by green light induction, which was significantly correlated with the expression of IgMYB98, IgZDS, IgPDS, IgLHCX2, IgZEP, IgLCYb, and IgNSY. These findings contribute to the understanding of Fx biosynthesis and its regulation, providing a valuable reference for food and pharmaceutical applications.