Fig. 3

Synthesis of (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene in E. coli strain and resistance to adverse environmental stresses. a–d IME strain had improved thermotolerance, shifted its optimal growth temperature from 37 °C to 42–45 °C. e IME strain had improved tolerance to heat shock. f–h IME strain showed acid-resistant phenotype. i, no challenge. j–l IME strain showed improved tolerance to other adverse environmental stresses such as high salt condition, high sugar condition and ROS (H₂O₂). Error bars indicate standard deviation of at least three biological replicates