A low frequency magnetic field regulated the synthesis of carotenoids in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa by influencing iron metabolism

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of low frequency magnetic fields (LFMF) on carotenoid synthesis and iron metabolism in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and to explore potential connections between the two processes. Various LFMF intensities were employed to assess carotenoid production, intracellular iron content, and the expression levels of genes related to carotenoid synthesis and iron metabolism in R. mucilaginosa. The results show that a LFMF could promote carotenoid synthesis, resulting in varying increases in intracellular iron content. Specifically, the expression of the iron metabolism-related gene transferrin receptor (TFR) was upregulated, while the expression of ferroportin 1 (FPN1) was downregulated. Meanwhile, the expressions of the carotenoid synthesis-related genes geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthases (GGPPS) and phytoene synthase (PSY) displayed varying degrees of upregulation at different time points. Further, the TFR and FPN1 gene knockout strains of R. mucilaginosa were subjected to treatment with a 3.5-mT LFMF, the results of which showed that an LFMF is capable of influencing the iron metabolism levels and subsequently regulating carotenoid synthesis in R. mucilaginosa.