The group of Xuefeng LU has established the mechanism by which N. oculata regulates its metabolix flux towads lipids under N-limitation. Using transcriptomics, it was shown that storage polysaccharides such as limarin compete with the formation of triacylglycerols. Under N deficiency, membrane lipids were tansformed into TAG, adding to effects of enhanced acetylCoA synthesis and reduced ß-1,3-glucan formation.

CAS news release, Dec. 26, 2014