In this study, we developed a transplastomic C. reinhardtii strain that accumulates anti-hypertensive peptides. Tandem repeats of VLPVP peptide were included. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of the transgene in the modified strains. After in vitro digestion of biomass of a recombinant C. reinhardtii strain the VLVPV peptide was identified and quantified by HPLC. The highest expression line produced 0.292mg of recombinant protein per mg of freeze-dried biomass. Intragastric administration of the genetically modified strain to spontaneous hypertensive rats at a dose of 30mg/kg of body weight of recombinant protein significantly reduced systolic blood pressure. At the same dose, the recombinant protein exerts an ACE-inhibitory effect. This is the first study that indicates the potential of this microalga producing an antihypertensive peptide as a dietary supplement for hypertension patients.
Keywords: Bioactive peptides; Hypertension; Microalgae; Spontaneous hypertensive rats.
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