Deciphering the biosynthetic pathways and biological roles of n-alka(e)nes in brown algae – BROWN_ALKAENES

Alkanes and alkenes are acyclic hydrocarbons that are synthesized by a wide range of organisms, including algae from green, red and brown lineages. Despite this ubiquitous distribution in algal diversity, the biosynthetic pathways of alka(e)nes remain largely unknown in algae, as well as our knowledge regarding their cellular and physiological functions. Due to their early diverging position in the eukaryotic phylogenetic tree, brown algae represent an exceptional source of original biosynthetic pathways, yet highly understudied so far. The Brown Alkaenes project aims to decipher the molecular and cellular mechanisms of alka(e)ne biosynthetic pathways and their physiological role in marine brown macroalgae, particularly in the emerging model species Ectocarpus and Saccharina latissima. The functional approach of the project will rely on cutting-edge methodologies, including genome editing, heterologous expression, protein-protein interactions and confocal microscopy. The project will provide valuable insights and knowledge about the biosynthesis of alka(e)nes and their physiological role in the development and adaptation of brown macroalgae to the environment, and will also contribute to a better understanding of evolutionary events of alka(e)ne biosynthetic pathways in the eukaryotic phylogenetic tree.