Molecular and phylogenetic analysis reveals new diversity of Dunaliella salina from hypersaline environments

Twelve hyper-beta carotene-producing strains of algae assigned to the genus Dunaliella salina have been isolated from various hypersaline environments in Israel, South Africa, Namibia and Spain. Intron-sizing of the SSU rDNA and phylogenetic analysis of these isolates were undertaken using four commonly employed markers for genotyping, LSU rDNA, ITS, rbcL and tufA and their application to the study of Dunaliella evaluated. Novel isolates have been identified and phylogenetic analyses have shown the need for clarification on the taxonomy of Dunaliella salina. We propose the division of D. salina into four sub-clades as defined by a robust phylogeny based on the concatenation of four genes. This study further demonstrates the considerable genetic diversity within D. salina and the potential of genetic analyses for aiding in the selection of prospective economically important strains.

Automated summary

This study isolated twelve hyper-beta carotene-producing strains of algae belonging to the genus Dunaliella salina from various hypersaline environments. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the need for clarification on the taxonomy of Dunaliella salina, leading to the proposal of dividing D. salina into four sub-clades based on a robust phylogeny. The study demonstrates the considerable genetic diversity within D. salina and highlights the potential of genetic analyses in selecting economically important strains.