Bioinformatic Characterization of Sulfotransferase Provides New Insights for the Exploitation of Sulfated Polysaccharides in .

is an unusual algal genus from (Chlorophyta, Bryopsidales). Species from this family produce a wide range of metabolites suitable for biotechnology applications. Among these, sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) are often highly desirable for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Here, we provide a classification of sulfotransferases from ; these important enzymes catalyze the nodal step for the biosynthesis of SPs. For this, we performed phylogenetic, genomic, expression analyses and prediction of the protein structure on sulfotransferases from . Sequences, domains and structures of sulfotransferases generally shared common characteristics with other plants and algae. However, we found an extensive duplication of sulfotransferase gene family, which is unique among the green algae. Expression analysis revealed specific transcript abundance in the pinnae and rachis of the alga. The unique genomic features could be utilized for the production of complex SPs, which require multiple and specific sulfation reactions. The expansion of this gene family in Caulerpaceae would have resulted in a number of proteins characterizing the unique SPs found in these algae. We provide a putative biosynthetic pathway of SPs, indicating the unique characteristics of this pathway in species. These data may help in the future selection of species for both commercial applications and genetic studies to improve the synthesis of valuable products from .