Transcript levels of phytoene desaturase gene in Dunaliella salina Teod. as affected by PbS nanoparticles and light intensity

Phytoene synthase (Psy) and Phytoene desaturase (Pds) are the first two regulatory enzymes in the carotenoids biosynthetic pathway. The genes Psy and Pds are under transcriptional control in many photosynthetic organisms. In the present study, using quantitative real time- PCR (qRT-PCR), the effects of uncoated and gum-Arabic coated PbS nanoparticles (GA-coated PbS NPs) and light intensity on the mRNA levels of Pds were investigated. Relative to mRNA level of Pds at 100 µmol photon m-2 s-1 light intensity (control culture), 2.2-fold increase in transcript levels occurred after 12 h of exposure to higher light intensity, which is significantly (P<0.05) different compared to control. After 48 h of exposure, the mRNA level of Pds was reduced to that in control. This indicates that light intensity regulates Pds at the mRNA level. In the presence of uncoated and GA-coated PbS NPs, the transcript levels of Pds were decreased over time, with uncoated PbS NPs having more inhibitory effects on mRNA levels compared to GA- coated PbS NPs. This shows that PbS NPs have adverse effects on transcription or post transcriptional processing and coating nanoparticles with biopolymers reduces their toxicity to organisms. Being under control, it seems that genetic manipulation of Pds may result in increased biotechnological production of carotenoids by D. salina.