14种微藻总脂含量和脂肪酸组成研究

比较分析了14种微藻的总脂含量和脂肪酸组成,结果表明：除小球藻、亚心形扁藻、极微小环藻、微绿球藻外,其他微藻的总脂含量均超过其干重的10％。每一纲的微藻脂肪酸组成都有各自特点,绿藻纲中16：0、16：1(n-7)、18：1(n-9)含量较高,但微绿球藻中16：1(n-7)、20：5(n-3)(EPA)含量远高于其他绿藻;金藻纲中含大量14：0、16：0、18：3(n-3)、22：6(n-3)(DHA);硅藻纲中14：0、16：0、16：1(n-7)、EPA含量较高;黄藻纲的异胶藻富含16：0、16：1(n-7)和EPA。     

10种海洋微藻总脂、中性脂和极性脂的脂肪酸组成

研究了10种海洋微藻的总脂、中性脂和极性脂的脂肪酸组成特征。海洋微藻的脂肪含量均在15％以上。极性脂一般为海洋微藻的主要脂类,是长链多元不饱和脂肪酸的主要提供者。中性脂含短链脂肪酸较多,为主要的储存脂类。绿藻纲可以将高含量的16:4(n-3)和18:3(n-3)作为化学分类的标记脂肪酸,小球藻和微绿球藻有丰富的20:5(n-3),与绿藻纲显著不同,可能属于大眼藻纲。绿枝藻纲的脂肪酸组成与绿藻纲类似,绿胞藻纲以16:0、18:4(n-3)和20:5(n-3)为主要脂肪酸。脂肪酸组成可用于海洋微藻的分类学研究,并能指导利用海洋微藻生产高度不饱和脂肪酸。     

稀有(鱼句)鲫的脂肪酸组成

稀有(鱼句)鲫汉源种群和彭州种群全鱼中共检测到3种饱和脂肪酸(SFA),它们是C14∶0、C16∶0、C18∶0.4种单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA),它们是C14∶1、C16∶1、C18∶1、C20∶1.4种多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA),它们是C18∶2、C20∶4、C20∶5(EPA)、C22∶6(DHA).SFA 占总脂肪酸的23.63-28.97%,MUFA 占40.73-54.32%,PUFA 占9.96-23.17%,EPA占0.41-1.74%,DHA占0.11-5.37%.EPA 含量一般低于 DHA.UFA(MUFA+PUFA)%＞SFA%,且 MUFA%＞PUFA%,n-3FA/n-6FA为0.33-0.99.此外还测定了鱼肌、内脏脂肪、肝脏、性腺等的脂肪酸组成和含量.     

光照强度对四株海洋绿藻总脂含量和脂肪酸组成的影响

采用f/2培养基,在3000lx,5000lx,8000lx光照强度时对杆状裂丝藻(Stichococcus bacillaris,MACC(中国海洋大学微藻种质库)/C19)和3株小球藻(Chlorellasp.MACC/C95,MACC/C97和MACC/C102)等4株海洋绿藻的总脂含量及脂肪酸组成进行了研究。单因子方差分析结果表明,光照强度对4株海洋绿藻的相对生长率、EPA(二十碳五烯酸,20∶5(n-3))含量及PUFA(多不饱和脂肪酸)总量,C19、C97和C102的脂肪含量和SFA(饱和脂肪酸)总量,C19、C95和C102的MUFA(单不饱和脂肪酸)总量均有显著影响(P0.05)。C19和C95的总脂含量随光照强度的增加总体呈降低趋势,C97和C102的总脂含量则随光照强度的升高而明显升高。C19的EPA含量随光照强度的增加呈现低-高-低趋势,C95在中低光照强度下EPA含量较高,C97和C102的EPA含量则随光照强度的增加而明显降低,4株绿藻的AA(花生四烯酸,20∶4(n-6))含量和PUFA总量均随光照强度的增加而降低。多重比较结果表明:C19在高光照强度(8000lx)时总脂含量显著低于其它各组,低光照强度(3000lx)和中光照强度(5000lx)处理间没有显著性差异(12.9%—12.7%),C97和C102则分别在高光照强度时总脂含量显著高于其它各处理(分别为40.6%和33.3%)。C19的EPA含量在中光照强度水平显著高于其它处理(12.7%),C97和C102的EPA含量分别在低光照强度水平显著高于其它处理(分别为12.0%和10.5%),C95的EPA含量在高光照强度水平显著低于其它处理,低光照强度和中光照强度处理间没有显著性差异(14.0%—14.7%);C19和C95的PUFA总量均在高光照强度水平显著低于其它处理,在低光照强度和中光照强度处理间没有显著性差异(分别为19.1%—19.4%和21.3%—21.3%),C97和C102的PUFA总量均在低光照强度水平显著高于其它处理(分别为19.2%和18.9%)。4株绿藻的主要脂肪酸成份为14∶0、16∶0、16∶1(n-7)、16∶4(n-3)、18∶1(n-9)、18∶3(n-3)、20∶4(n-6)和EPA。     

13种微藻的脂肪酸组成分析

分析了13种微藻(包括7种绿藻,5种杂色藻和1种红藻)的总脂含量和脂肪酸组成,结果表明,不同门类微藻的脂肪酸组成差异较大:绿藻的脂肪酸组成以C16和C18为主;杂色藻类的脂肪酸组成相近,金藻门含有14:0、16:0、18:1、18:4等特征脂肪酸,三角褐指藻主要的脂肪酸为14:0、16:0、16:1、16:3和20:5,而粉核油球藻的脂肪酸以14:0、16:0、20:5为主;紫球藻的脂肪酸组成以16:0、20:4和20:5为主。在测试的13种微藻中,杜氏盐藻的亚麻酸含量最高,占总脂肪酸的60.9%;等鞭金藻的十八碳四烯酸含量最高,占总脂肪酸的19.6%;紫球藻和粉核油球藻中花生四烯酸与二十碳五烯酸(EPA)含量分别占总脂肪酸的17.1%和20.9%。     

不同生态条件对绿色巴夫藻生长与脂肪酸组成的影响

研究不同温度、盐度、光照条件对绿色巴夫藻生长和脂肪酸组成的影响。实验结果表明:绿色巴夫藻的适温范围在5—30℃之间,最适为25℃;该藻为低盐度种类,在试验范围内都能生长,其最适盐度为6‰;生长较适宜的光照强度为3000—5000lx。巴夫藻的主要脂肪酸为C14∶0、C16∶0、C16∶1(n-7)、C18∶1(n-9)、C18∶3(n-3)、C18∶4(n-3)、C22∶6(n-3),其中在20℃时C22∶6(n-3)的含量达到最高,且PUFA(n-3)的含量也较高;在低盐度条件下有利于PUFA(n-3)的合成,盐度为6‰时C20∶5(n-3)的含量最高为总脂的6.02%,在盐度为15‰时C22∶6(n-3)的含量达到最高(总脂的17.79%);光照强度对C22∶6(n-3)的影响不大,在3000lx时C20∶5(n-3)的含量较高。结果表明低光照强度下利于PUFA(n-3)的合成,且C22∶6(n-3)的含量较高。     

九种海洋微藻总脂含量及脂肪酸组成分析

从广东沿海分离出9 种海洋微藻(包括6 种绿藻, 2 种金藻, 1 种硅藻), 在低氮并持续通入二氧化碳(1% CO2)条件下测试其总脂含量, 对其中总脂含量超过其干重45%的海洋微藻进行脂肪酸组成分析并优化反应条件。结果表明,9 种海洋微藻的总脂含量存在着明显差异, 介于8.9%-55.77%之间。其中, 海洋小球藻Chlorella sp.、眼点拟微绿球藻Nannochloropsis oculata、绿色巴夫藻Pavlova viridis 和微拟球藻Nannochloropsis sp.的总脂含量超过干重的45%, 而且, 这4 种富油海洋微藻的C16 和C18 脂肪酸含量丰富, C16:0、C16:1(n-7)、C18:1(n-9)含量较高, C14-C18 长链脂肪酸的含量超过总脂肪酸含量的80%。4 种高脂微藻在30 ℃高温培养条件下比生长速率均超过1.0 d−1。研究结果可为高温富油海洋微藻的工业化培养提供参考依据。     

条石鲷仔、稚、幼鱼脂肪酸组成变化研究

通过采用GC/MS法研究了条石鲷(Oplegnathus fasciatus)仔鱼、稚鱼及幼鱼阶段的脂肪酸组成和变化特点。共检测到28种脂肪酸,其中饱和脂肪酸(SFA)13种,单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)7种,多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)8种。结果表明:条石鲷鱼苗内源性营养阶段以饱和脂肪酸C16∶0、C20∶0及单不饱和脂肪酸C16∶1、C18∶1作为能量代谢的主要来源;必需脂肪酸C20∶4(n-6)(AA)、C22∶5(n-3)(DPA)和C22∶6(n-3)(DHA)在稚鱼期含量较低,∑EPA+DHA仅为6.89%,认为是发生稚鱼"胀鳔病"的主要原因;仔鱼开口前体内的DHA和EPA是由母体卵黄提供的。     

西南大西洋春夏季阿根廷无须鳕脂肪酸组分的时空特性

阿根廷无须鳕(Merluccius hubbsi)是西南大西洋较为重要的鱼种,具较高的商业价值,为底拖网渔业的主要捕捞对象。本研究利用气相色谱质谱联用仪测定了阿根廷无须鳕肌肉组织脂肪酸组成,探究各脂肪酸含量,包括饱和脂肪酸(SFA)、单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)和多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)随体长、月份和纬度的变化。结果表明:各类脂肪酸含量高低次序依次为∑PUFA∑SFA∑MUFA;主要脂肪酸包括C22:6n3(DHA)、C16:0、C18:1n9c、C20:5n3(EPA)和C18:0,其中DHA的含量最高,占总脂肪酸含量的35.27%;高PUFA/SFA表明阿根廷无须鳕肌肉可作为PUFA的补充原料;∑SFA和∑PUFA在小体长组个体中(20.1~30.0 cm)的含量较高,特别是DHA和EPA,使得n-3/n-6增加,说明相对较大个体而言,小个体阿根廷无须鳕的营养价值更高;除n-3/n-6外,其余脂肪酸含量均无显著的月份差异;1月最高的n-3/n-6说明肌肉组织在该月份具有较高的营养价值。鱼体各脂肪酸含量随纬度和表温变化不明显。     

三种海洋微藻和三种淡水微藻脂肪酸组成特征的比较分析

比较了3种海洋微藻：简单角刺藻(Chaetoceros simplex)、绿色巴夫藻(Pavlova viridis)、扁藻(Platymonas sp.)和3种淡水微藻：蛋白核小球藻(Chlorella pyrenoidosa)、斜生栅藻(Scenedesmus obliquua)、极大螺旋藻(Spirulina maxima)的脂肪酸组成。结果表明：海洋微藻的饱和脂肪酸种类相对比淡水微藻多,前者的碳链长度在14碳到20碳之间,后者主要有C16：0和C18：0。二者单不饱和脂肪酸均是以C16：1ω7和C18：1ω9为主。多不饱和脂肪酸中,海洋微藻以二十碳五稀酸(EPA)和二十二碳六稀酸(DHA)为主,其中,绿色巴夫藻含有24．34％的EPA和11．48％的DHA,简单角刺藻含有13．24％的EPA;淡水微藻以18碳为主,其中,极大螺旋藻含有24．02％的γ-亚麻酸(GLA)。     

Regulation of human lymphocyte proliferation by fatty acids

In the present study, the effect of increasing concentrations of palmitic (PA, C16:0), stearic (SA, C18:0), oleic (OA, C18:1, n-9), linoleic (LA, C18:2n-6), docosahexaenoic (DHA, C22:6 n-3) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA, C20:5 n-3) acids on lymphocyte proliferation was investigated. The maximal non-toxic concentrations of these fatty acids for human lymphocytes in vitro were determined. It was also evaluated whether these fatty acids at non-toxic concentrations affect IL-2 induced lymphocyte proliferation and cell cycle progression. OA and LA at 25 microM increased lymphocyte proliferation and at higher concentrations (75 microM and 100 microM) inhibited it. Both fatty acids promoted cell death at 200 microM concentration. PA and SA decreased lymphocyte proliferation at 50 microM and promoted cell death at concentrations of 100 microM and above. EPA and DHA decreased lymphocyte proliferation at 25 and 50 microM being toxic at 50 and 100 microM, respectively. PA, SA, DHA and EPA decreased the stimulatory effect of IL-2 on lymphocyte proliferation, increasing the percentage of cells in G1 phase and decreasing the proportion of cells in S and G2/M phases. OA and LA caused an even greater pronounced effect. The treatment with all fatty acids increased neutral lipid accumulation in the cells but the effect was more pronounced with PA and DHA. In conclusion, PA, SA, DHA and EPA decreased lymphocyte proliferation, whereas OA and LA stimulated it at non-toxic concentrations.     

Effect of frozen storage on fatty acid composition and changes in lipid content of Scomberomorus commersoni and Carcharhinus dussumieri

Investigated were the changes in fatty acid composition, oxidation and enzymatic deterioration of lipids in frozen (−30°C) fish fillets from the Persian Gulf. The narrow barred Spanish mackerel ( Scomberomorus commersoni ) and white cheek shark ( Carcharhinus dussumieri ) were tested with storage times of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 months at −18°C. Statistical results showed that the major fatty acids among the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids of each fish species were palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1n-9) acids, respectively. Both linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and arachidonic acid (AA) (C20:4n-6) were predominant in total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in both mackerel and shark. The EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid; C20:5 n-3) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid; C22:6 n-3) acids were the major fatty acids among total n-3 acids in both fishes. During frozen storage, the PUFA (40.1 and 23.94%), n-3 (48 and 42.83%), ω 3/ ω 6 (41.36 and 50%), PUFA/SFA (56 and 42.23%) and EPA + DHA/C16 (55.55 and 46.66%) contents decreased in S. commersoni and C. dussumieri , respectively. Also peroxide, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and free fatty acid (FFA) values significantly increased (P < 0.01) with the time of storage.     

Effects of essential fatty acid deficiency and supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) on cellular fatty acid compositions and fatty acyl desaturation in a cell culture model

The desaturation of [1-(14)C] 18:3n-3 to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) is enhanced in an essential fatty acid deficient cell line (EPC-EFAD) in comparison with the parent cell line (EPC) from carp. In the present study, the effects of DHA on lipid and fatty acid compositions, and the metabolism of [1-(14)C]18:3n-3 were investigated in EPC-EFAD cells in comparison with EPC cells. DHA supplementation had only relatively minor effects on lipid content and lipid class compositions in both EPC and EPC-EFAD cells, but significantly increased the amount of DHA, 22:5n-3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3), total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), total PUFA and saturated fatty acids in total lipid and total polar lipid in both cell lines. Retroconversion of supplemental DHA to EPA was significantly greater in EPC cells. Monounsaturated fatty acids, n-9 and n-6PUFA were all decreased in total lipid and total polar lipid in both cell lines by DHA supplementation. The incorporation of [1-(14)C]18:3n-3 was greater into EPC-EFAD compared to EPC cells but DHA had no effect on the incorporation of [1-(14)C]18:3n-3 in either cell line. In contrast, the conversion of [1-(14)C]18:3n-3 to tetraenes, pentaenes and total desaturation products was similar in the two cell lines and was significantly reduced by DHA supplementation in both cell lines. However, the production of DHA from [1-(14)C]18:3n-3 was significantly greater in EPC-EFAD cells compared to EPC cells and, whereas DHA supplementation had no effect on the production of DHA from [1-(14)C]18:3n-3 in EPC cells, DHA supplementation significantly reduced the production of DHA from [1-(14)C] 18:3n-3 in EPC-EFAD cells. Greater production of DHA in EPC-EFAD cells could be a direct result of significantly lower levels of end-product DHA in these cells' lipids compared to EPC cells. Consistent with this, the suppression of DHA production upon DHA supplementation was associated with increased cellular and membrane DHA concentrations in EPC-EFAD cells. However, an increase in cellular DHA content to similar levels failed to suppress DHA production in DHA-supplemented EPC cells. A possible explanation is that greatly increased levels of EPA, derived from retroconversion of the added DHA, acts to offset the suppression of the pathway by DHA by stimulating conversion of EPA to DHA in DHA-supplemented EPC cells.     

Highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid prevents the progression of hepatic steatosis by repressing monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis in high-fat/high-sucrose diet-fed mice

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a member of the family of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are clinically used to treat hypertriglyceridemia. The triglyceride (TG) lowering effect is likely due to an alteration in lipid metabolism in the liver, but details have not been fully elucidated. To assess the effects of EPA on hepatic TG metabolism, mice were fed a high-fat and high-sucrose diet (HFHSD) for 2 weeks and were given highly purified EPA ethyl ester (EPA-E) daily by gavage. The HFHSD diet increased the hepatic TG content and the composition of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). EPA significantly suppressed the hepatic TG content that was increased by the HFHSD diet. EPA also altered the composition of fatty acids by lowering the MUFAs C16:1 and C18:1 and increasing n-3 PUFAs, including EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Linear regression analysis revealed that hepatic TG content was significantly correlated with the ratios of C16:1/C16:0, C18:1/C18:0, and MUFA/n-3 PUFA, but was not correlated with the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. EPA also decreased the hepatic mRNA expression and nuclear protein level of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). This was reflected in the levels of lipogenic genes, such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACCα), fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT), which are regulated by SREBP-1c. In conclusion, oral administration of EPA-E ameliorates hepatic fat accumulation by suppressing TG synthesis enzymes regulated by SREBP-1 and decreases hepatic MUFAs accumulation by SCD1.     

Microalgal biofactories: a promising approach towards sustainable omega-3 fatty acid production

ABSTRACT: Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) provide significant health benefits and this has led to an increased consumption as dietary supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are found in animals, transgenic plants, fungi and many microorganisms but are typically extracted from fatty fish, putting additional pressures on global fish stocks. As primary producers, many marine microalgae are rich in EPA (C20:5) and DHA (C22:6) and present a promising source of omega-3 fatty acids. Several heterotrophic microalgae have been used as biofactories for omega-3 fatty acids commercially, but a strong interest in autotrophic microalgae has emerged in recent years as microalgae are being developed as biofuel crops. This paper provides an overview of microalgal biotechnology and production platforms for the development of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. It refers to implications in current biotechnological uses of microalgae as aquaculture feed and future biofuel crops and explores potential applications of metabolic engineering and selective breeding to accumulate large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in autotrophic microalgae.     

囊状黄丝藻在不同初始氮浓度条件下特殊的油脂积累规律

对不同初始氮浓度条件下囊状黄丝藻(Tribonema utriculosum SAG22.94)的生长状况、油脂含量和脂肪酸组成与含量进行研究。结果显示,囊状黄丝藻在氮浓度为3.0 mmol/L时,获得生物质浓度最高,为6.39 g/L;氮浓度为18.0 mmol/L时获得总脂和总脂肪酸含量最高,分别为细胞干重的44.62%和42.21%;上述3个指标单位体积的产率均在氮浓度3.0 mmol/L时达到最高值,分别为0.538、0.209和0.206 g·L~(-1)·d~(-1)。在4种初始氮浓度条件下,囊状黄丝藻油脂和脂肪酸含量可随着氮浓度增加而增加。脂肪酸含量分析结果显示,该藻的主要脂肪酸为豆蔻酸(C14∶0)、棕榈酸(C16∶0)、棕榈油酸(C16∶1ω7)、花生四烯酸(C20∶4ω6)和二十碳五烯酸(C20∶5ω3,EPA)。其中棕榈油酸含量最高,占总脂肪酸含量的36.53%~50.08%。研究结果表明囊状黄丝藻在不同初始氮浓度条件下具有特殊的油脂积累规律,是一株具有重要应用价值的产油丝状微藻。     

Dietary long chain n-3 fatty acids are more closely associated with protein than energy intakes from fat

The n-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) regulate hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism; however, EPA and DHA are naturally present in human diets in foods of animal origin, which are generally high in protein with variable triglycerides and uniformly low amounts of carbohydrate. We used dietary information for 611 individuals of 1.5-66 years to address whether EPA and DHA are associated with protein, but not fat intake. EPA, DHA and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) intakes were positively associated with protein, but not fat intake, whereas linoleic acid (18:2n-6) and α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) intakes were positively associated with fat, but not protein intake. Children 1-3 years of age have lower EPA and DHA intakes than children over 4 years or adults. Recommendations regarding EPA and DHA intake should focus on protein sources, rather than diet fat, and consider their potential roles in amino acid and protein metabolism.     

不同饵料对卤虫生长、总脂含量及脂肪酸组成的影响

为了提高养殖卤虫的饵料营养价值,了解其不同生长阶段营养成分变化情况,采用单因子试验研究了8种饵料（三角褐指藻、小球藻、微绿球藻、酵母液、三角褐指藻＋小球藻＋微绿球藻、三角褐指藻＋酵母液、小球藻＋酵母液和微绿球藻＋酵母液）对卤虫生长、总脂含量及脂肪酸组成的影响,结果表明：不同饵料种类对卤虫生长、总脂含量及脂肪酸组成的影响显著（P＜0.05）,增长率,以三角褐指藻＋酵母液最优;总脂含量、以三角褐指藻最优（19.67%）,除酵母液外,与其它饵料相差不显著（P＞0.05）;脂肪酸组成效果,以微绿球藻组最优（EPA：18.01%,DNA：0.55%,（n-3）HUFA：19.08%）,与三角褐指藻组相差不大（P＞0.05）,显著高于其它各组（P＞0.05）.同时以三角褐指藻为饵料,研究了卤虫不同生长阶段（体长2、4、6、8、10 mm）总脂含量、脂肪酸组成变化,结果表明：卤虫体长2～10 mm总脂含量为14.27%～20.93%,随体长的增长降低;EPA、DHA及（n-3）HUFA的含量,均随体长的增长降低,EPA含量为：10.47%～20.77%,DNA含量为：0～0.70%,（n-3）HUFA含量为：10.85%～22.01%.结论认为,卤虫以三角褐指藻或三角褐指藻＋酵母液为饵料培养营养价值最佳,其体长小于6 mm营养价值较佳.     

Grouping Newly Isolated Docosahexaenoic Acid-Producing Thraustochytrids Based on Their Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Profiles and Comparative Analysis of 18S rRNA Genes

Seven strains of marine microbes producing a significant amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6, n-3) were screened from seawater collected in coastal areas of Japan and Fiji. They accumulate their respective intermediate fatty acids in addition to DHA. There are 5 kinds of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) profiles which can be described as (1) DHA/docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; C22:5, n-6), (2) DHA/DPA/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5, n-3), (3) DHA/EPA, (4) DHA/DPA/EPA/arachidonic acid (AA; C20:4, n-6), and (5) DHA/DPA/EPA/AA/docosatetraenoic acid (C22:4, n-6). These isolates are proved to be new thraustochytrids by their specific insertion sequences in the 18S rRNA genes. The phylogenetic tree constructed by molecular analysis of 18S rRNA genes from the isolates and typical thraustochytrids shows that strains with the same PUFA profile form each monophyletic cluster. These results suggest that the C20-22 PUFA profile may be applicable as an effective characteristic for grouping thraustochytrids.