1
|
De Saeger J, Coulembier Vandelannoote E, Lee H, Park J, Blomme J. Genome editing in macroalgae: advances and challenges. Front Genome Ed 2024; 6:1380682. [PMID: 38516199 PMCID: PMC10955705 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1380682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This minireview examines the current state and challenges of genome editing in macroalgae. Despite the ecological and economic significance of this group of organisms, genome editing has seen limited applications. While CRISPR functionality has been established in two brown (Ectocarpus species 7 and Saccharina japonica) and one green seaweed (Ulva prolifera), these studies are limited to proof-of-concept demonstrations. All studies also (co)-targeted ADENINE PHOSPHORIBOSYL TRANSFERASE to enrich for mutants, due to the relatively low editing efficiencies. To advance the field, there should be a focus on advancing auxiliary technologies, particularly stable transformation, so that novel editing reagents can be screened for their efficiency. More work is also needed on understanding DNA repair in these organisms, as this is tightly linked with the editing outcomes. Developing efficient genome editing tools for macroalgae will unlock the ability to characterize their genes, which is largely uncharted terrain. Moreover, given their economic importance, genome editing will also impact breeding campaigns to develop strains that have better yields, produce more commercially valuable compounds, and show improved resilience to the impacts of global change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas De Saeger
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, Yeonsu-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Emma Coulembier Vandelannoote
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hojun Lee
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, Yeonsu-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihae Park
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, Yeonsu-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonas Blomme
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khan N, Sudhakar K, Mamat R. Seaweed farming: A perspectives of genetic engineering and nano-technology application. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15168. [PMID: 37123906 PMCID: PMC10130772 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to meet the growing demand for resources, there is a rising interest in macroalgae cultivation worldwide due to their potential as a source of food, fuel, and bio-products. However, large-scale and sustainable seaweed cultivation has been a persistent challenge. Specific fundamental issues need to be addressed to maximize the benefits of seaweed production. This article reviews a plan for transitioning to an environmentally sustainable aquaculture system incorporating non-toxic nanoparticles. It also provides an overview of genetic enhancement techniques for macroalgae species to realize their potential fully. Additionally, the article discusses the need for advanced tools and concepts to overcome the challenges in seaweed identification and cultivation and emphasizes the importance of a coordinated effort in fundamental and applied research using emerging technologies to ensure long-term practicality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nida Khan
- Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia
- Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid & Process, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, 26300, Malaysia
| | - K. Sudhakar
- Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia
- Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid & Process, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, 26300, Malaysia
- Energy Centre, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal,462003, India
- Corresponding author. Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid & Process, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, 26300, Malaysia.
| | - R. Mamat
- Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, China
- Centre for Automotive Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pekan,Pahang Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Z, Wu C, Jiang P. Cloning and characterization of nitrate reductase gene in kelp Saccharina japonica (Laminariales, Phaeophyta). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:78. [PMID: 36740685 PMCID: PMC9901164 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brown macroalgae dominate temperate coastal ecosystems, and their productivity is typically limited by nitrate availability. As an economically important kelp, Saccharina japonica is the most productive farmed seaweed and needs to be supplemented with sufficient nitrate throughout the cultivation process. However, molecular characterization of genes involved in nitrogen assimilation has not been conducted in brown macroalgae. RESULTS Here, we described the identification of the nitrate reductase (NR) gene from S. japonica (SjNR). Using two different cloning methods for SjNR, i.e. rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and cDNA cloning alone, a single fragment was obtained respectively. According to results of sequence analysis between these two fragments, the tentative coding sequence in two clones, SjNR-L and SjNR-S, were suggested to represent two transcripts of the single copy SjNR, and the ATG of SjNR-S was located inside the third exon of SjNR-L. In the 5' upstream sequence of each transcript, promoter core elements, response elements, especially multiple N response elements which occurred in microalgal NR, were all predicted. Further sequence analysis revealed that both transcripts encoded all five domains conserved in eukaryotic plant NRs. RT-qPCR results showed that the transcription level of SjNR in juvenile sporophytes could be significantly induced by nitrate and inhibited by ammonium, which was in line with plant NRs. The recombinant SjNR-L and SjNR-S were all proved to have NR activity, suggesting that the single-copy gene SjNR might be regulated on transcription level based on alternative promoters and multiple transcriptional start sites. Moreover, both NADH and NADPH were found to be able to act as electron donors for SjNR alone, which is the first confirmation that brown algal NR has a NAD(P)H-bispecific form. CONCLUSION These results will provide a scientific basis for understanding the N demand of kelp in various stages of cultivation and evaluating the environmental remediation potential of kelp in eutrophic sea areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Wang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chunhui Wu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Clerc T, Boscq S, Attia R, Kaminski Schierle GS, Charrier B, Läubli NF. Cultivation and Imaging of S. latissima Embryo Monolayered Cell Sheets Inside Microfluidic Devices. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9110718. [PMID: 36421119 PMCID: PMC9687954 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9110718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The culturing and investigation of individual marine specimens in lab environments is crucial to further our understanding of this highly complex ecosystem. However, the obtained results and their relevance are often limited by a lack of suitable experimental setups enabling controlled specimen growth in a natural environment while allowing for precise monitoring and in-depth observations. In this work, we explore the viability of a microfluidic device for the investigation of the growth of the alga Saccharina latissima to enable high-resolution imaging by confining the samples, which usually grow in 3D, to a single 2D plane. We evaluate the specimen’s health based on various factors such as its growth rate, cell shape, and major developmental steps with regard to the device’s operating parameters and flow conditions before demonstrating its compatibility with state-of-the-art microscopy imaging technologies such as the skeletonisation of the specimen through calcofluor white-based vital staining of its cell contours as well as the immunolocalisation of the specimen’s cell wall. Furthermore, by making use of the on-chip characterisation capabilities, we investigate the influence of altered environmental illuminations on the embryonic development using blue and red light. Finally, live tracking of fluorescent microspheres deposited on the surface of the embryo permits the quantitative characterisation of growth at various locations of the organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Clerc
- Morphogenesis of Macroalgae, Laboratory of Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CNRS, Sorbonne University, 29680 Roscoff, France
| | - Samuel Boscq
- Morphogenesis of Macroalgae, Laboratory of Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CNRS, Sorbonne University, 29680 Roscoff, France
| | - Rafaele Attia
- Ecology of Marine Plankton, Laboratory of Adaptation and Diversity in the Marine Environment, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CNRS, Sorbonne University, 29680 Roscoff, France
| | - Gabriele S. Kaminski Schierle
- Molecular Neuroscience Group, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Bénédicte Charrier
- Morphogenesis of Macroalgae, Laboratory of Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CNRS, Sorbonne University, 29680 Roscoff, France
- Correspondence: (B.C.); (N.F.L.)
| | - Nino F. Läubli
- Molecular Neuroscience Group, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
- Correspondence: (B.C.); (N.F.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Badis Y, Scornet D, Harada M, Caillard C, Godfroy O, Raphalen M, Gachon CMM, Coelho SM, Motomura T, Nagasato C, Cock JM. Targeted CRISPR-Cas9-based gene knockouts in the model brown alga Ectocarpus. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 231:2077-2091. [PMID: 34076889 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Brown algae are an important group of multicellular eukaryotes, phylogenetically distinct from both the animal and land plant lineages. Ectocarpus has emerged as a model organism to study diverse aspects of brown algal biology, but this system currently lacks an effective reverse genetics methodology to analyse the functions of selected target genes. Here, we report that mutations at specific target sites are generated following the introduction of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins into Ectocarpus cells, using either biolistics or microinjection as the delivery method. Individuals with mutations affecting the ADENINE PHOSPHORIBOSYL TRANSFERASE (APT) gene were isolated following treatment with 2-fluoroadenine, and this selection system was used to isolate individuals in which mutations had been introduced simultaneously at APT and at a second gene. This double mutation approach could potentially be used to isolate mutants affecting any Ectocarpus gene, providing an effective reverse genetics tool for this model organism. The availability of this tool will significantly enhance the utility of Ectocarpus as a model organism for this ecologically and economically important group of marine organisms. Moreover, the methodology described here should be readily transferable to other brown algal species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yacine Badis
- Roscoff Biological Station, Place Georges Teissier, Roscoff, 29680, France
- The Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Argyll,, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Delphine Scornet
- Roscoff Biological Station, Place Georges Teissier, Roscoff, 29680, France
| | - Minori Harada
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Céline Caillard
- Roscoff Biological Station, Place Georges Teissier, Roscoff, 29680, France
| | - Olivier Godfroy
- Roscoff Biological Station, Place Georges Teissier, Roscoff, 29680, France
| | - Morgane Raphalen
- Roscoff Biological Station, Place Georges Teissier, Roscoff, 29680, France
| | - Claire M M Gachon
- The Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Argyll,, PA37 1QA, UK
- UMR 7245 Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CP 54, 57 rue Cuvier, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Susana M Coelho
- Roscoff Biological Station, Place Georges Teissier, Roscoff, 29680, France
- Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Max-Planck-Ring 5, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Taizo Motomura
- Muroran Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, Muroran, 051-0013, Japan
| | - Chikako Nagasato
- Muroran Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, Muroran, 051-0013, Japan
| | - J Mark Cock
- Roscoff Biological Station, Place Georges Teissier, Roscoff, 29680, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Blomme J, Liu X, Jacobs TB, De Clerck O. A molecular toolkit for the green seaweed Ulva mutabilis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 186:1442-1454. [PMID: 33905515 PMCID: PMC8260120 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The green seaweed Ulva mutabilis is an ecologically important marine primary producer as well as a promising cash crop cultivated for multiple uses. Despite its importance, several molecular tools are still needed to better understand seaweed biology. Here, we report the development of a flexible and modular molecular cloning toolkit for the green seaweed U. mutabilis based on a Golden Gate cloning system. The toolkit presently contains 125 entry vectors, 26 destination vectors, and 107 functionally validated expression vectors. We demonstrate the importance of endogenous regulatory sequences for transgene expression and characterize three endogenous promoters suitable to drive transgene expression. We describe two vector architectures to express transgenes via two expression cassettes or a bicistronic approach. The majority of selected transformants (50%-80%) consistently give clear visual transgene expression. Furthermore, we made different marker lines for intracellular compartments after evaluating 13 transit peptides and 11 tagged endogenous Ulva genes. Our molecular toolkit enables the study of Ulva gain-of-function lines and paves the way for gene characterization and large-scale functional genomics studies in a green seaweed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Blomme
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent 9052, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Xiaojie Liu
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Thomas B Jacobs
- VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent 9052, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Clerck
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wu C, Jiang P, Guo Y, Liu J, Zhao J, Fu H. Isolation and characterization of Ulva prolifera actin1 gene and function verification of the 5' flanking region as a strong promoter. Bioengineered 2017; 9:124-133. [PMID: 28453384 PMCID: PMC5972938 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2017.1325041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulva prolifera is a green macroalgae with an extremely high growth rate that can accumulate biomass with considerable protein content. To set up an available seaweed expression system, a prior step is to isolate endogenous and strong constitutive promoters. For this reason, the full-length genomic actin1 gene from U. prolifera (Upactin1) was cloned and its 5′ flanking sequence was obtained by genome walking. The Upactin1 open reading frame consisted of 1134 nucleotides encoding 377 amino acid residues. Besides 4 exons and 3 introns in the coding region, an extra leader intron was identified in the 5′ untranslated region. According to quantitative GUS assays based on transient expression, the promoter activity of the Upactin1 5′ flanking region was found to be several times higher than that of the widely-used cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV35S) in all tested species of Ulva. In addition, precise deletion of the leader intron led to a significant decrease of promoter strength in U. prolifera, and almost entire loss of strength in U. linza and U. pertusa. To our knowledge, this is the first report to prove function of a leader intron in algae. The 5′ flanking region of Upactin1 was shown to be a much stronger promoter than the foreign CaMV35S, and its activity was highly dependent on the presence of the leader intron. We propose that the Upactin1 promoter could serve as an endogenous and strong constitutive element for genetic engineering of U. prolifera.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Wu
- a Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology , Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao , China.,b College of Earth Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China.,c Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology , Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology , Qingdao , China
| | - Peng Jiang
- a Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology , Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao , China.,c Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology , Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology , Qingdao , China
| | - Yang Guo
- a Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology , Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao , China.,b College of Earth Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China.,c Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology , Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology , Qingdao , China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- a Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology , Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao , China.,c Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology , Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology , Qingdao , China
| | - Jin Zhao
- a Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology , Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao , China.,c Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology , Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology , Qingdao , China
| | - Huihui Fu
- a Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology , Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao , China.,c Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology , Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology , Qingdao , China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lin H, Qin S. Tipping points in seaweed genetic engineering: scaling up opportunities in the next decade. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:3025-45. [PMID: 24857961 PMCID: PMC4052329 DOI: 10.3390/md12053025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Seaweed genetic engineering is a transgenic expression system with unique features compared with those of heterotrophic prokaryotes and higher plants. This study discusses several newly sequenced seaweed nuclear genomes and the necessity that research on vector design should consider endogenous promoters, codon optimization, and gene copy number. Seaweed viruses and artificial transposons can be applied as transformation methods after acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of viral infections in seaweeds and transposon patterns in seaweed genomes. After cultivating transgenic algal cells and tissues in a photobioreactor, a biosafety assessment of genetically modified (GM) seaweeds must be conducted before open-sea application. We propose a set of programs for the evaluation of gene flow from GM seaweeds to local/geographical environments. The effective implementation of such programs requires fundamentally systematic and interdisciplinary studies on algal physiology and genetics, marine hydrology, reproductive biology, and ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanzhi Lin
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, 71 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Song Qin
- Key Lab of Coastal Biology and Bio-resource Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 17 Chunhui Road, Yantai 264003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Qin S, Lin H, Jiang P. Advances in genetic engineering of marine algae. Biotechnol Adv 2012; 30:1602-13. [PMID: 22634258 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 05/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Algae are a component of bait sources for animal aquaculture, and they produce abundant valuable compounds for the chemical industry and human health. With today's fast growing demand for algae biofuels and the profitable market for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals made from algal natural products, the genetic engineering of marine algae has been attracting increasing attention as a crucial systemic technology to address the challenge of the biomass feedstock supply for sustainable industrial applications and to modify the metabolic pathway for the more efficient production of high-value products. Nevertheless, to date, only a few marine algae species can be genetically manipulated. In this article, an updated account of the research progress in marine algal genomics is presented along with methods for transformation. In addition, vector construction and gene selection strategies are reviewed. Meanwhile, a review on the progress of bioreactor technologies for marine algae culture is also revisited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Qin
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Radakovits R, Jinkerson RE, Darzins A, Posewitz MC. Genetic engineering of algae for enhanced biofuel production. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2010; 9:486-501. [PMID: 20139239 PMCID: PMC2863401 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00364-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 515] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
There are currently intensive global research efforts aimed at increasing and modifying the accumulation of lipids, alcohols, hydrocarbons, polysaccharides, and other energy storage compounds in photosynthetic organisms, yeast, and bacteria through genetic engineering. Many improvements have been realized, including increased lipid and carbohydrate production, improved H(2) yields, and the diversion of central metabolic intermediates into fungible biofuels. Photosynthetic microorganisms are attracting considerable interest within these efforts due to their relatively high photosynthetic conversion efficiencies, diverse metabolic capabilities, superior growth rates, and ability to store or secrete energy-rich hydrocarbons. Relative to cyanobacteria, eukaryotic microalgae possess several unique metabolic attributes of relevance to biofuel production, including the accumulation of significant quantities of triacylglycerol; the synthesis of storage starch (amylopectin and amylose), which is similar to that found in higher plants; and the ability to efficiently couple photosynthetic electron transport to H(2) production. Although the application of genetic engineering to improve energy production phenotypes in eukaryotic microalgae is in its infancy, significant advances in the development of genetic manipulation tools have recently been achieved with microalgal model systems and are being used to manipulate central carbon metabolism in these organisms. It is likely that many of these advances can be extended to industrially relevant organisms. This review is focused on potential avenues of genetic engineering that may be undertaken in order to improve microalgae as a biofuel platform for the production of biohydrogen, starch-derived alcohols, diesel fuel surrogates, and/or alkanes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randor Radakovits
- Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, Colorado 80401, and
| | - Robert E. Jinkerson
- Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, Colorado 80401, and
| | - Al Darzins
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, Colorado 80401
| | - Matthew C. Posewitz
- Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, Colorado 80401, and
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang Y, Jiang P, Gao J, Liao J, Sun S, Shen Z, Qin S. Recombinant expression of rt-PA gene (encoding Reteplase) in gametophytes of the seaweed Laminaria japonica (Laminariales, Phaeophyta). SCIENCE IN CHINA. SERIES C, LIFE SCIENCES 2008; 51:1116-20. [PMID: 19093086 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-008-0143-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2008] [Accepted: 03/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The life cycle of seaweed Laminaria japonica involves a generation alternation between diploid sporophyte and haploid gametophte. The expression of foreign genes in sporophte has been proved. In this research, the recombinant expression in gametophyte was investigated by particle bombardment with the rt-PA gene encoding the recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator (Reteplase), which is a thrombolytic agent for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Transgenic gametophytes were selected by their resistance to herbicide phosphiothricin (PPT), and proliferated in an established bubble column photo-bioreactor. According to the results from quantitative ELISA, Southern blotting, and fibrin agarose plate assay (FAPA) for bioactivity, it was showed that the rt-PA gene had been integrated into the genome of gametophytes of L. japonica, and the expression product showed the expected bioactivity, implying the proper post-transcript modification in haploid gametophyte.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- YiChen Zhang
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gao J, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Wu S, Qin S, Zhang W, Yu X. Optimal light regime for the cultivation of transgenic Laminaria japonica gametophytes in a bubble-column bioreactor. Biotechnol Lett 2005; 27:1417-9. [PMID: 16215860 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-005-0938-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2005] [Accepted: 07/06/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Fluctuating light intensity had a more significant impact on growth of gametophytes of transgenic Laminaria japonica in a 2500 ml bubble-column bioreactor than constant light intensity. A fluctuating light intensity between 10 and 110 microE m(-2) s(-1), with a photoperiod of 14 h:10 h light:dark, was the best regime for growth giving 1430 mg biomass l(-1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangtao Gao
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071, Qingdao, P.R. China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gao J, Zhang Y, Wang H, Qin S. Suspension culture of gametophytes of transgenic kelp in a photobioreactor. Biotechnol Lett 2005; 27:1025-8. [PMID: 16132848 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-005-8098-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2005] [Accepted: 05/20/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Transgenic Laminaria japonica gametophytes producing a recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) protein, which is an effective third-generation thrombolytic agent for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), were cultured in an illuminated bubble column bioreactor. A maximum final dry cell weight of 1120 mg l(-1) was obtained in batch culture with an initial dry cell weight of 126 mg l(-1) and with aeration rate of 1.2 l air min(-1 )l(-1) culture, nitrate at 1.5 mM: and phosphate at 0.17 mM: . The yield of rtPA was 56 microg g(-1) dry cell wt. This is the first report regarding cultivation of a transgenic macroalga in a bioreactor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangtao Gao
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071, Qingdao, P.R. China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The past decade has seen the genetic engineering of various types of seaweed. To date, genetic transformation studies have been carried out in several seaweeds, including the red seaweeds Porphyra, Gracilaria, Grateloupia, Kappaphycus and Ceramium and the green seaweed Ulva. A genetic transformation model system has been established in the most commonly cultivated seaweed, the brown seaweed Laminaria japonica (kelp), based on the transfer of technology used in land plant transformation and also by modulating the seaweed life cycle. This model showed the potential for application of transgenic kelp to the production of valuable products and an indoor cultivation system for transgenic kelp was proposed, taking into account necessary factors for bio-safety. In this review, the establishment at use of the kelp transformation model is introduced, highlighting the potential for transforming kelp into a marine bioreactor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Qin
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Peters AF, Marie D, Scornet D, Kloareg B, Mark Cock J. PROPOSAL OF ECTOCARPUS SILICULOSUS(ECTOCARPALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE) AS A MODEL ORGANISM FOR BROWN ALGAL GENETICS AND GENOMICS. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2004; 40:1079-1088. [PMID: 0 DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2004.04058.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
|