How can the commercial potential of microalgae from the Dunaliella genus be improved? The importance of nucleotide metabolism with a focus on nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK)

Over recent decades, wide-ranging research has been focused on algae due to their potential applications, e.g., for biomass, extract and “third”-generation biofuel production. In particular, microalgae, which are very fast-growing organisms with low nutrient requirements, are ideal research objects. This review focuses on one of the most significant microalgae genus, i.e., Dunaliella, which includes D. salina and D. tertiolecta. The valuable components of these unicellular eukaryotes include glycerol, carotenoids (such as zeaxanthin and β-carotene) and many others, which mainly accumulate when these microalgae are affected by stress conditions (i.e., hypersaline and oxidative stress). The rapid growth of these microalgae in artificial/natural systems certainly has to be based not only on nutrient uptake and photosynthesis rates but also on efficient nucleotide metabolism. Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPKs), which are considered conserved housekeeping proteins responsible for nucleotide turnover, could play an important role in this context, together with proper mitochondrial and chloroplast function. A more detailed understanding of the biochemical nature of Dunaliella spp. will help optimize the massive cultivation of these microorganisms. Ultimately, it will facilitate the greater use of coastal waters to multiply Dunaliella biomass production significantly. This strategy will save freshwater resources, e.g., in obtaining land plant oils to make biofuels. Greater access to different algal bioactive compounds may support the treatment of various diseases, such as asthma, eye diseases, cancer, and viral infections.