Oleaginous microorganisms are among the most promising alternative sources of lipids for oleochemicals and biofuels. However, in the course of lipid production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated inevitably as byproducts of aerobic metabolisms. Although excessive accumulation of ROS leads to lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and protein denaturation, ROS accumulation has been suggested to enhance lipid synthesis in these microorganisms. There are many unresolved questions concerning this dichotomous view of ROS influence on lipid accumulation. These include what level of ROS triggers lipid overproduction, what mechanisms and targets are vital and whether ROS act as toxic byproducts or cellular messengers in these microorganisms? Here we review the current state of knowledge on ROS generation, antioxidative defense system, the dual effects of ROS on microbial lipid production, and ROS-induced lipid peroxidation and accumulation mechanisms. Toward the end, the review summarizes strategies that enhance lipid production based on ROS manipulation.

油脂微生物是油脂化学和生物燃料最有希望的替代脂质来源之一。但是，在脂质生产的过程中，不可避免地会产生有氧代谢的活性氧（ROS）。尽管ROS的过度积累会导致脂质过氧化，DNA损伤和蛋白质变性，但已提出ROS积累可增强这些微生物中的脂质合成。关于ROS对脂质积累的二分法观点，有许多未解决的问题。这些包括什么水平的ROS触发脂质过度生产，什么机制和靶标至关重要，以及ROS是否在这些微生物中充当有毒副产品或细胞信使？在这里，我们回顾了有关ROS生成，抗氧化防御系统，ROS对微生物脂质产生的双重作用，以及ROS诱导的脂质过氧化和积累机制。最后，本综述总结了基于ROS操纵增强脂质产生的策略。