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Emelin P, Abdul-Mawla S, Willmund F. Golden Gate Cloning for the Standardized Assembly of Gene Elements with Modular Cloning in Chlamydomonas. Methods Mol Biol 2025; 2850:451-465. [PMID: 39363087 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4220-7_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Modern synthetic biology requires fast and efficient cloning strategies for the assembly of new transcription units or entire pathways. Modular Cloning (MoClo) is a standardized synthetic biology workflow, which has tremendously simplified the assembly of genetic elements for transgene expression. MoClo is based on Golden Gate Assembly and allows to combine genetic elements of a library through a hierarchical syntax-driven pipeline. Here we describe the assembly of a genetic cassette for transgene expression in the single-celled model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Emelin
- Molecular Plant Sciences, Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Abdul-Mawla
- Molecular Plant Sciences, Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Felix Willmund
- Molecular Plant Sciences, Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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Ye L, Liao T, Deng X, Long H, Liu G, Ke W, Huang K. Establishment of an RNA-based transient expression system in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. N Biotechnol 2024; 83:175-187. [PMID: 39153527 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2024.08.501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a unicellular green alga, is a prominent model for green biotechnology and for studying organelles' function and biogenesis, such as chloroplasts and cilia. However, the stable expression of foreign genes from the nuclear genome in C. reinhardtii faces several limitations, including low expression levels and significant differences between clones due to genome position effects, epigenetic silencing, and time-consuming procedures. We developed a robust transient expression system in C. reinhardtii to overcome these limitations. We demonstrated efficient entry of in vitro-transcribed mRNA into wall-less cells and enzymatically dewalled wild-type cells via electroporation. The endogenous or exogenous elements can facilitate efficient transient expression of mRNA in C. reinhardtii, including the 5' UTR of PsaD and the well-characterized Kozak sequence derived from the Chromochloris zofingiensis. In the optimized system, mRNA expression was detectable in 120 h with a peak around 4 h after transformation. Fluorescently tagged proteins were successfully transiently expressed, enabling organelle labeling and real-time determination of protein sub-cellular localization. Remarkably, transiently expressed IFT46 compensated for the ift46-1 mutant phenotype, indicating the correct protein folding and function of IFT46 within the cells. Additionally, we demonstrated the feasibility of our system for studying protein-protein interactions in living cells using bimolecular fluorescence complementation. In summary, the established transient expression system provides a powerful tool for investigating protein localization, function, and interactions in C. reinhardtii within a relatively short timeframe, which will significantly facilitate the study of gene function, genome structure, and green biomanufacturing in C. reinhardtii and potentially in other algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Ye
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tancong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Huan Long
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Gai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Wenting Ke
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Kaiyao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China.
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Barolo L, Abbriano RM, Commault AS, Padula MP, Pernice M. Proteomic analysis reveals molecular changes following genetic engineering in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:392. [PMID: 39379820 PMCID: PMC11460192 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03554-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is gaining recognition as a promising expression system for the production of recombinant proteins. However, its performance as a cellular biofactory remains suboptimal, especially with respect to consistent expression of heterologous genes. Gene silencing mechanisms, position effect, and low nuclear transgene expression are major drawbacks for recombinant protein production in this model system. To unveil the molecular changes following transgene insertion, retention, and expression in this species, we genetically engineered C. reinhardtii wild type strain 137c (strain cc-125 mt+) to express the fluorescent protein mVenus and subsequently analysed its intracellular proteome. RESULTS The obtained transgenic cell lines showed differences in abundance in more than 400 proteins, with multiple pathways altered post-transformation. Proteins involved in chromatin remodelling, translation initiation and elongation, and protein quality control and transport were found in lower abundance. On the other hand, ribosomal proteins showed higher abundance, a signal of ribosomal stress response. CONCLUSIONS These results provide new insights into the modifications of C. reinhardtii proteome after transformation, highlighting possible pathways involved in gene silencing. Moreover, this study identifies multiple protein targets for future genetic engineering approaches to improve the prospective use of C. reinhardtii as cell biofactory for industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Barolo
- University of Technology Sydney, Climate Change Cluster, Broadway Campus, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Raffaela M Abbriano
- University of Technology Sydney, Climate Change Cluster, Broadway Campus, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Audrey S Commault
- University of Technology Sydney, Climate Change Cluster, Broadway Campus, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Matthew P Padula
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics Core Facility, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Mathieu Pernice
- University of Technology Sydney, Climate Change Cluster, Broadway Campus, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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Dubey SK, Lee SS, Kim JH. Efficient enhancement of the antimicrobial activity of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii extract by transgene expression and molecular modification using ionizing radiation. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2024; 17:125. [PMID: 39354614 PMCID: PMC11443672 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02575-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ionizing radiation has been used for mutagenesis or material modification. The potential to use microalgae as a platform for antimicrobial production has been reported, but little work has been done to advance it beyond characterization to biotechnology. This study explored two different applications of ionizing radiation as a metabolic remodeler and a molecular modifier to enhance the antimicrobial activity of total protein and solvent extracts of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells. RESULTS First, highly efficient transgenic C. reinhardtii strains expressing the plant-derived antimicrobial peptides, AtPR1 or AtTHI2.1, were developed using the radiation-inducible promoter, CrRPA70Ap. Low transgene expression was significantly improved through X-irradiation (12-50 Gy), with peak activity observed within 2 h. Protein extracts from these strains after X-irradiation showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against the prokaryotic bacterium, Pseudomonas syringae, and the eukaryotic fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans. In addition, X-irradiation (12 Gy) increased the growth and biomass of the transgenic strains. Second, C. reinhardtii cell extracts in ethanol were γ-irradiated (5-20 kGy), leading to molecular modifications and increased antimicrobial activity against the phytopathogenic bacteria, P. syringae and Burkholderia glumae, in a dose-dependent manner. These changes were associated with alterations in fatty acid composition. When both transgenic expression of antimicrobial peptides and molecular modification of bioactive substances were applied, the antimicrobial activity of C. reinhardtii cell extracts was further enhanced to some extent. CONCLUSION Overall, these findings suggest that ionizing radiation can significantly enhance the antimicrobial potential of C. reinhardtii through efficient transgene expression and molecular modification of bioactive substances, making it a valuable source of natural antimicrobial agents. Ionizing radiation can act not only as a metabolic remodeler of transgene expression in microalgae but also as a molecular modifier of the bioactive substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Kumar Dubey
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 29 Geumgu-gil, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk-do, 56212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Science, University of Science and Technology, 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Sik Lee
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 29 Geumgu-gil, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk-do, 56212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Science, University of Science and Technology, 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hong Kim
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 29 Geumgu-gil, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk-do, 56212, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Radiation Science, University of Science and Technology, 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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Liu M, Yu L, Zheng J, Shao S, Pan Y, Hu H, Shen L, Wang W, Zhou W, Liu J. Turning the industrially relevant marine alga Nannochloropsis red: one move for multifaceted benefits. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024. [PMID: 39253772 DOI: 10.1111/nph.20114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Nannochloropsis oceanica is an industrially relevant marine microalga rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, a valuable ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid), yet the algal production potential remains to be unlocked. Here we engineered N. oceanica to synthesize the high-value carotenoid astaxanthin independent of high-light (HL) induction for achieving multifaceted benefits. By screening β-carotenoid ketolases and hydroxylases of various origins, and strategically manipulating compartmentalization, fusion patterns, and linkers of the enzyme pair, a remarkable 133-fold increase in astaxanthin content was achieved in N. oceanica. Iterative metabolic engineering efforts led to further increases in astaxanthin synthesis up to 7.3 mg g-1, the highest reported for microalgae under nonstress conditions. Astaxanthin was found in the photosystem components and allowed the alga HL resistance and augmented EPA production. Besides, we achieved co-production of astaxanthin and EPA by the engineered alga through a fed-batch cultivation approach. Our findings unveil the untapped potential of N. oceanica as a robust, light-driven chassis for constitutive astaxanthin synthesis and provide feasible strategies for the concurrent production of multiple high-value biochemicals from CO2, thereby paving the way for sustainable biotechnological applications of this alga.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijing Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Watershed Carbon Neutrality of Ministry of Education, and Center for Algae Innovation & Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Lihua Yu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Watershed Carbon Neutrality of Ministry of Education, and Center for Algae Innovation & Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Shengxi Shao
- Engineering Research Center of Watershed Carbon Neutrality of Ministry of Education, and Center for Algae Innovation & Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Yufang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Hanhua Hu
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lili Shen
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenda Wang
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenguang Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Watershed Carbon Neutrality of Ministry of Education, and Center for Algae Innovation & Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Watershed Carbon Neutrality of Ministry of Education, and Center for Algae Innovation & Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
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Leprovost S, Plasson C, Balieu J, Walet-Balieu ML, Lerouge P, Bardor M, Mathieu-Rivet E. Fine-tuning the N-glycosylation of recombinant human erythropoietin using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024. [PMID: 38968612 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Microalgae are considered as attractive expression systems for the production of biologics. As photosynthetic unicellular organisms, they do not require costly and complex media for growing and are able to secrete proteins and perform protein glycosylation. Some biologics have been successfully produced in the green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. However, post-translational modifications like glycosylation of these Chlamydomonas-made biologics have poorly been investigated so far. Therefore, in this study, we report on the first structural investigation of glycans linked to human erythropoietin (hEPO) expressed in a wild-type C. reinhardtii strain and mutants impaired in key Golgi glycosyltransferases. The glycoproteomic analysis of recombinant hEPO (rhEPO) expressed in the wild-type strain demonstrated that the three N-glycosylation sites are 100% glycosylated with mature N-glycans containing four to five mannose residues and carrying core xylose, core fucose and O-methyl groups. Moreover, expression in C. reinhardtii insertional mutants defective in xylosyltransferases A and B and fucosyltransferase resulted in drastic decreases of core xylosylation and core fucosylation of glycans N-linked to the rhEPOs, thus demonstrating that this strategy offers perspectives for humanizing the N-glycosylation of the Chlamydomonas-made biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Leprovost
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, Rouen, France
- Institute for Plant Biology and Biotechnology (IBBP), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - C Plasson
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, Rouen, France
| | - J Balieu
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, Rouen, France
| | - M-L Walet-Balieu
- Infrastructure de Recherche HeRacLeS, Plate-forme protéomique PISSARO, Université de Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
| | - P Lerouge
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, Rouen, France
| | - M Bardor
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, Rouen, France
| | - E Mathieu-Rivet
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, Rouen, France
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Lihanova Y, Nagel R, Jakob T, Sasso S. Characterization of activating cis-regulatory elements from the histone genes of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 119:525-539. [PMID: 38693717 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes is controlled by cis-regulatory modules (CRMs). A major class of CRMs are enhancers which are composed of activating cis-regulatory elements (CREs) responsible for upregulating transcription. To date, most enhancers and activating CREs have been studied in angiosperms; in contrast, our knowledge about these key regulators of gene expression in green algae is limited. In this study, we aimed at characterizing putative activating CREs/CRMs from the histone genes of the unicellular model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. To test the activity of four candidates, reporter constructs consisting of a tetramerized CRE, an established promoter, and a gene for the mCerulean3 fluorescent protein were incorporated into the nuclear genome of C. reinhardtii, and their activity was quantified by flow cytometry. Two tested candidates, Eupstr and Ehist cons, significantly upregulated gene expression and were characterized in detail. Eupstr, which originates from highly expressed genes of C. reinhardtii, is an orientation-independent CRE capable of activating both the RBCS2 and β2-tubulin promoters. Ehist cons, which is a CRM from histone genes of angiosperms, upregulates the β2-tubulin promoter in C. reinhardtii over a distance of at least 1.5 kb. The octamer motif present in Ehist cons was identified in C. reinhardtii and the related green algae Chlamydomonas incerta, Chlamydomonas schloesseri, and Edaphochlamys debaryana, demonstrating its high evolutionary conservation. The results of this investigation expand our knowledge about the regulation of gene expression in green algae. Furthermore, the characterized activating CREs/CRMs can be applied as valuable genetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliia Lihanova
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Raimund Nagel
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Torsten Jakob
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Severin Sasso
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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8
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Hammel A, Cucos LM, Caras I, Ionescu I, Tucureanu C, Tofan V, Costache A, Onu A, Hoepfner L, Hippler M, Neupert J, Popescu CI, Stavaru C, Branza-Nichita N, Bock R. The red alga Porphyridium as a host for molecular farming: Efficient production of immunologically active hepatitis C virus glycoprotein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400145121. [PMID: 38833465 PMCID: PMC11181018 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400145121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Microalgae are promising production platforms for the cost-effective production of recombinant proteins. We have recently established that the red alga Porphyridium purpureum provides superior transgene expression properties, due to the episomal maintenance of transformation vectors as multicopy plasmids in the nucleus. Here, we have explored the potential of Porphyridium to synthesize complex pharmaceutical proteins to high levels. Testing expression constructs for a candidate subunit vaccine against the hepatitis C virus (HCV), we show that the soluble HCV E2 glycoprotein can be produced in transgenic algal cultures to high levels. The antigen undergoes faithful posttranslational modification by N-glycosylation and is recognized by conformationally selective antibodies, suggesting that it adopts a proper antigenic conformation in the endoplasmic reticulum of red algal cells. We also report the experimental determination of the structure of the N-glycan moiety that is attached to glycosylated proteins in Porphyridium. Finally, we demonstrate the immunogenicity of the HCV antigen produced in red algae when administered by injection as pure protein or by feeding of algal biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hammel
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department of Organelle Biology, Biotechnology and Molecular Ecophysiology, D-14476Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Lia-Maria Cucos
- Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Department of Viral Glycoproteins, 060031Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iuliana Caras
- ”Cantacuzino” Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Ionescu
- ”Cantacuzino” Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Tucureanu
- ”Cantacuzino” Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad Tofan
- ”Cantacuzino” Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Costache
- ”Cantacuzino” Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Onu
- ”Cantacuzino” Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lara Hoepfner
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, D-48143Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Hippler
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, D-48143Münster, Germany
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Kurashiki710-0046, Japan
| | - Juliane Neupert
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department of Organelle Biology, Biotechnology and Molecular Ecophysiology, D-14476Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Costin-Ioan Popescu
- Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Department of Viral Glycoproteins, 060031Bucharest, Romania
| | - Crina Stavaru
- ”Cantacuzino” Medico-Military National Research Institute, 050096Bucharest, Romania
| | - Norica Branza-Nichita
- Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Department of Viral Glycoproteins, 060031Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ralph Bock
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department of Organelle Biology, Biotechnology and Molecular Ecophysiology, D-14476Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- NIBIO, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, NO-1431 Ås, Norway
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9
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Einhaus A, Baier T, Kruse O. Molecular design of microalgae as sustainable cell factories. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:728-738. [PMID: 38092627 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Microalgae are regarded as sustainable and potent chassis for biotechnology. Their capacity for efficient photosynthesis fuels dynamic growth independent from organic carbon sources and converts atmospheric CO2 directly into various valuable hydrocarbon-based metabolites. However, approaches to gene expression and metabolic regulation have been inferior to those in more established heterotrophs (e.g., prokaryotes or yeast) since the genetic tools and insights in expression regulation have been distinctly less advanced. In recent years, however, these tools and their efficiency have dramatically improved. Various examples have demonstrated new trends in microalgal biotechnology and the potential of microalgae for the transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Einhaus
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Baier
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Olaf Kruse
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
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Jacobebbinghaus N, Lauersen KJ, Kruse O, Baier T. Bicistronic expression of nuclear transgenes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:1400-1412. [PMID: 38415961 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotic organisms, proteins are typically translated from monocistronic messenger RNAs containing a single coding sequence (CDS). However, recent long transcript sequencing identified 87 nuclear polycistronic mRNAs in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii natively carrying multiple co-expressed CDSs. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of 22 short intergenic sequences derived from these native polycistronic loci by their application in genetic constructs for synthetic transgene expression. A promising candidate sequence was identified based on the quantification of transformation efficiency and expression strength of a fluorescence reporter protein. Subsequently, the expression of independent proteins from one mRNA was verified by cDNA amplification and protein molecular mass characterization. We demonstrated engineered bicistronic expression in vivo to drive successful co-expression of several terpene synthases with the selection marker aphVIII. Bicistronic transgene design resulted in significantly increased (E)-α-bisabolene production of 7.95 mg L-1 from a single open reading frame, 18.1× fold higher than previous reports. Use of this strategy simplifies screening procedures for identification of high-level expressing transformants, does not require the application of additional fluorescence reporters, and reduces the nucleotide footprint compared to classical monocistronic expression cassettes. Although clear advantages for bicistronic transgene expression were observed, this strategy was found to be limited to the aphVIII marker, and further studies are necessary to gain insights into the underlying mechanism that uniquely permits this co-expression from the algal nuclear genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Jacobebbinghaus
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kyle J Lauersen
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Olaf Kruse
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Baier
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Kneip JS, Kniepkamp N, Jang J, Mortaro MG, Jin E, Kruse O, Baier T. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockout of the Lycopene ε-Cyclase for Efficient Astaxanthin Production in the Green Microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1393. [PMID: 38794462 PMCID: PMC11125023 DOI: 10.3390/plants13101393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Carotenoids are valuable pigments naturally occurring in all photosynthetic plants and microalgae as well as in selected fungi, bacteria, and archaea. Green microalgae developed a complex carotenoid profile suitable for efficient light harvesting and light protection and harbor great capacity for carotenoid production through the substantial power of the endogenous 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway. Previous works established successful genome editing and induced significant changes in the cellular carotenoid content in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This study employs a tailored carotenoid pathway for engineered bioproduction of the valuable ketocarotenoid astaxanthin. Functional knockout of lycopene ε-cyclase (LCYE) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)-based integration of donor DNA at the target site inhibit the accumulation of α-carotene and consequently lutein and loroxanthin, abundant carotenoids in C. reinhardtii without changes in cellular fitness. PCR-based screening indicated that 4 of 96 regenerated candidate lines carried (partial) integrations of donor DNA and increased ß-carotene as well as derived carotenoid contents. Iterative overexpression of CrBKT, PacrtB, and CrCHYB resulted in a 2.3-fold increase in astaxanthin accumulation in mutant ΔLCYE#3 (1.8 mg/L) compared to the parental strain UVM4, which demonstrates the potential of genome editing for the design of a green cell factory for astaxanthin bioproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Sebastian Kneip
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Niklas Kniepkamp
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Junhwan Jang
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Maria Grazia Mortaro
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - EonSeon Jin
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Olaf Kruse
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Baier
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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12
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Hou Q, Yu R, Shang C, Deng H, Wen Z, Qiu Z, Qiao G. Molecular characterization and evolutionary relationships of DOFs in four cherry species and functional analysis in sweet cherry. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130346. [PMID: 38403208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The DOF (DNA binding with one finger) has multiple functions in plants. However, it has received little attention in the research field of cherries. In this study, the evolutionary relationship and molecular characterization of DOF in four cherry species were analyzed, revealing its expression pattern in sweet cherry. There are 23 members in Prunus avium cv. 'Tieton', 88 in Prunus cerasus, 53 in Cerasus × yedoensis, and 27 in Cerasus serrulata. Most of these genes are intron-less or non-intron, with a conserved C2-C2 domain. Due to heterozygosity and chromosomal ploidy, whole-genome duplication (WGD) events occur to varying degrees, and DOF genes are contracted during evolution. Furthermore, these genes are affected by purifying selection pressure. Under low-temperature treatment, the expression of PavDOF2 and PavDOF18 were significantly up-regulated, while that of PavDOF16 is significantly down-regulated. The expression of PavDOF9, PavDOF12, PavDOF14, PavDOF16, PavDOF17, PavDOF18, and PavDOF19 exhibits an increasing trend during flower development and varies during sweet cherry fruit development. PavDOF1, PavDOF8, PavDOF9, and PavDOF15 are localized in the nucleus but is not transcriptionally active. The findings systemically demonstrate the molecular characteristics of DOF in different cherry varieties, providing a basis for further research on the functions of these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiandong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Runrun Yu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Chunqiong Shang
- College of Forestry, Guizhou University/ Institute for Forest Resources & Environment of Guizhou, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Hong Deng
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhuang Wen
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhilang Qiu
- School of Biology & Engineering, School of Health Medicine Modern Industry, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Guang Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
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13
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Goold HD, Moseley JL, Lauersen KJ. The synthetic future of algal genomes. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100505. [PMID: 38395701 PMCID: PMC10943592 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Algae are diverse organisms with significant biotechnological potential for resource circularity. Taking inspiration from fermentative microbes, engineering algal genomes holds promise to broadly expand their application ranges. Advances in genome sequencing with improvements in DNA synthesis and delivery techniques are enabling customized molecular tool development to confer advanced traits to algae. Efforts to redesign and rebuild entire genomes to create fit-for-purpose organisms currently being explored in heterotrophic prokaryotes and eukaryotic microbes could also be applied to photosynthetic algae. Future algal genome engineering will enhance yields of native products and permit the expression of complex biochemical pathways to produce novel metabolites from sustainable inputs. We present a historical perspective on advances in engineering algae, discuss the requisite genetic traits to enable algal genome optimization, take inspiration from whole-genome engineering efforts in other microbes for algal systems, and present candidate algal species in the context of these engineering goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh D Goold
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia; ARC Center of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Jeffrey L Moseley
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Division of Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Phycoil Biotechnology International, Inc., Fremont, CA 94538, USA
| | - Kyle J Lauersen
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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14
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Hammel A, Neupert J, Bock R. Optimized transgene expression in the red alga Porphyridium purpureum and efficient recombinant protein secretion into the culture medium. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 114:18. [PMID: 38353826 PMCID: PMC10866757 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-024-01415-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Microalgae represent a promising but yet underexplored production platform for biotechnology. The vast majority of studies on recombinant protein expression in algae have been conducted in a single species, the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. However, due to epigenetic silencing, transgene expression in Chlamydomonas is often inefficient. Here we have investigated parameters that govern efficient transgene expression in the red microalga Porphyridium purpureum. Porphyridium is unique in that the introduced transformation vectors are episomally maintained as autonomously replicating plasmids in the nucleus. We show that full codon optimization to the preferred codon usage in the Porphyridium genome confers superior transgene expression, not only at the level of protein accumulation, but also at the level of mRNA accumulation, indicating that high translation rates increase mRNA stability. Our optimized expression constructs resulted in YFP accumulation to unprecedented levels of up to 5% of the total soluble protein. We also designed expression cassettes that target foreign proteins to the secretory pathway and lead to efficient protein secretion into the culture medium, thus simplifying recombinant protein harvest and purification. Our study paves the way to the exploration of red microalgae as expression hosts in molecular farming for recombinant proteins and metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hammel
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie (MPI-MP), Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Juliane Neupert
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie (MPI-MP), Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Ralph Bock
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie (MPI-MP), Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
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15
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Murik O, Geffen O, Shotland Y, Fernandez-Pozo N, Ullrich KK, Walther D, Rensing SA, Treves H. Genomic imprints of unparalleled growth. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:1144-1160. [PMID: 38072860 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Chlorella ohadii was isolated from desert biological soil crusts, one of the harshest habitats on Earth, and is emerging as an exciting new green model for studying growth, photosynthesis and metabolism under a wide range of conditions. Here, we compared the genome of C. ohadii, the fastest growing alga on record, to that of other green algae, to reveal the genomic imprints empowering its unparalleled growth rate and resistance to various stressors, including extreme illumination. This included the genome of its close relative, but slower growing and photodamage sensitive, C. sorokiniana UTEX 1663. A larger number of ribosome-encoding genes, high intron abundance, increased codon bias and unique genes potentially involved in metabolic flexibility and resistance to photodamage are all consistent with the faster growth of C. ohadii. Some of these characteristics highlight general trends in Chlorophyta and Chlorella spp. evolution, and others open new broad avenues for mechanistic exploration of their relationship with growth. This work entails a unique case study for the genomic adaptations and costs of exceptionally fast growth and sheds light on the genomic signatures of fast growth in photosynthetic cells. It also provides an important resource for future studies leveraging the unique properties of C. ohadii for photosynthesis and stress response research alongside their utilization for synthetic biology and biotechnology aims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Murik
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91904, Jerusalem, Israel
- Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 93722, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Or Geffen
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, 39040, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoram Shotland
- Chemical Engineering, Shamoon College of Engineering, 84100, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Noe Fernandez-Pozo
- Plant Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University of Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kristian Karsten Ullrich
- Plant Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University of Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany
- Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306, Plön, Germany
| | - Dirk Walther
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stefan Andreas Rensing
- Plant Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University of Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Biological Signaling Studies (BIOSS), University of Freiburg, 79098, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Haim Treves
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, 39040, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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16
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Beauchemin R, Merindol N, Fantino E, Lavoie P, Nouemssi SB, Meddeb-Mouelhi F, Desgagné-Penix I. Successful reversal of transgene silencing in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300232. [PMID: 37975165 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been successfully engineered to produce compounds of interest following transgene integration and heterologous protein expression. The advantages of this model include the availability of validated tools for bioengineering, its photosynthetic ability, and its potential use as biofuel. Despite this, breakthroughs have been hindered by its ability to silence transgene expression through epigenetic changes. Histone deacetylases (HDAC) are main players in gene expression. We hypothesized that transgene silencing can be reverted with chemical treatments using HDAC inhibitors. To analyze this, we transformed C. reinhardtii, integrating into its genome the mVenus reporter gene under the HSP70-rbcs2 promoter. From 384 transformed clones, 88 (22.9%) displayed mVenus positive (mVenus+ ) cells upon flow-cytometry analysis. Five clones with different fluorescence intensities were selected. The number of integrated copies was measured by qPCR. Transgene expression levels were followed over the growth cycle and upon SAHA treatment, using a microplate reader, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and western blot analysis. First, we observed that expression varies with the cell cycle, reaching a maximum level just before the stationary phase in all clones. Second, we uncovered that supplementation with HDAC inhibitors of the hydroxamate family, such as vorinostat (suberoylanilide-hydroxamic-acid, SAHA) at the initiation of culture increases the frequency (% of mVenus+ cells) and the level of transgene expression per cell over the whole growth cycle, through histone deacetylase inhibition. Thus, we propose a new tool to successfully trigger the expression of heterologous proteins in the green algae C. reinhardtii, overcoming its main obstacle as an expression platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémy Beauchemin
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Natacha Merindol
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Elisa Fantino
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Pamela Lavoie
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Serge Basile Nouemssi
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Fatma Meddeb-Mouelhi
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabel Desgagné-Penix
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
- Plant Biology Research Group, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
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17
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Wang R, Li J, Zhang F, Miao X. Non-Tandem CCCH-Type Zinc-Finger Protein CpZF_CCCH1 Improves Fatty Acid Desaturation and Stress Tolerance in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 37910392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The properties and nutritional value of microalgal bioproducts depend significantly on fatty acid desaturation, which is generally modulated by manipulating the culture conditions or associated gene expressions. Here, we investigated the role of CpZF_CCCH1, a non-tandem CCCH-type zinc-finger (non-TZF) protein, in elevating polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (11.00-16.36%) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Through lipidomic and flow cytometry analyses, we observed reduced triacylglycerol accumulation (7.01-21.15%) and elevated levels of membrane lipids containing PUFAs (7.81-46.18%) in C. reinhardtii overexpressing CpZF_CCCH1. Additionally, overexpression of nucleus-located CpZF_CCCH1 downregulated genes associated with triacylglycerol assembly and lipid turnover from 2.00- to 2.90-fold, likely by binding to GCN4 motif and promoter of 3-phosphate-glycerol acyltransferase. Furthermore, overexpression of CpZF_CCCH1 alleviated reactive oxygen species levels by 59.28-73.26% and enhanced stress tolerance under adverse conditions. These findings expanded the roles of non-TZF proteins in lipid metabolism, opening new avenues for metabolic engineering to enhance the nutritional value and stress tolerance of microalgae and agricultural crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Biomass Energy Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Junhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Biomass Energy Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Biomass Energy Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoling Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Biomass Energy Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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18
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Kreis E, König K, Misir M, Niemeyer J, Sommer F, Schroda M. TurboID reveals the proxiomes of Chlamydomonas proteins involved in thylakoid biogenesis and stress response. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:1772-1796. [PMID: 37310689 PMCID: PMC10602608 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii), the VESICLE-INDUCING PROTEIN IN PLASTIDS 1 and 2 (VIPP1 and VIPP2) play roles in the sensing and coping with membrane stress and in thylakoid membrane biogenesis. To gain more insight into these processes, we aimed to identify proteins interacting with VIPP1/2 in the chloroplast and chose proximity labeling (PL) for this purpose. We used the transient interaction between the nucleotide exchange factor CHLOROPLAST GRPE HOMOLOG 1 (CGE1) and the stromal HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 70B (HSP70B) as test system. While PL with APEX2 and BioID proved to be inefficient, TurboID resulted in substantial biotinylation in vivo. TurboID-mediated PL with VIPP1/2 as baits under ambient and H2O2 stress conditions confirmed known interactions of VIPP1 with VIPP2, HSP70B, and the CHLOROPLAST DNAJ HOMOLOG 2 (CDJ2). Proteins identified in the VIPP1/2 proxiomes can be grouped into proteins involved in the biogenesis of thylakoid membrane complexes and the regulation of photosynthetic electron transport, including PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION 5-LIKE 1 (PGRL1). A third group comprises 11 proteins of unknown function whose genes are upregulated under chloroplast stress conditions. We named them VIPP PROXIMITY LABELING (VPL). In reciprocal experiments, we confirmed VIPP1 in the proxiomes of VPL2 and PGRL1. Our results demonstrate the robustness of TurboID-mediated PL for studying protein interaction networks in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas and pave the way for analyzing functions of VIPPs in thylakoid biogenesis and stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Kreis
- Molekulare Biotechnologie & Systembiologie, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Paul-Ehrlich Straße 23, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Katharina König
- Molekulare Biotechnologie & Systembiologie, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Paul-Ehrlich Straße 23, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Melissa Misir
- Molekulare Biotechnologie & Systembiologie, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Paul-Ehrlich Straße 23, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Justus Niemeyer
- Molekulare Biotechnologie & Systembiologie, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Paul-Ehrlich Straße 23, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Frederik Sommer
- Molekulare Biotechnologie & Systembiologie, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Paul-Ehrlich Straße 23, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Michael Schroda
- Molekulare Biotechnologie & Systembiologie, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Paul-Ehrlich Straße 23, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
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Pivato M, Grenzi M, Costa A, Ballottari M. Compartment-specific Ca 2+ imaging in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii reveals high light-induced chloroplast Ca 2+ signatures. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:258-271. [PMID: 37488718 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of intracellular Ca2+ signaling in the perception and response mechanisms to light in unicellular microalgae, the genetically encoded ratiometric Ca2+ indicator Yellow Cameleon (YC3.6) was expressed in the model organism for green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, targeted to cytosol, chloroplast, and mitochondria. Through in vivo single-cell confocal microscopy imaging, light-induced Ca2+ signaling was investigated in different conditions and different genotypes, including the photoreceptors mutants phot and acry. A genetically encoded H2 O2 sensor was also adopted to investigate the possible role of H2 O2 formation in light-dependent Ca2+ signaling. Light-dependent Ca2+ response was observed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells only in the chloroplast as an organelle-autonomous response, influenced by light intensity and photosynthetic electron transport. The absence of blue and red-light photoreceptor aCRY strongly reduced the light-dependent chloroplast Ca2+ response, while the absence of the blue photoreceptor PHOT had no significant effects. A correlation between high light-induced chloroplast H2 O2 gradients and Ca2+ transients was drawn, supported by H2 O2 -induced chloroplast Ca2+ transients in the dark. In conclusion, different triggers are involved in the light-induced chloroplast Ca2+ signaling as saturation of the photosynthetic electron transport, H2 O2 formation, and aCRY-dependent light perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Pivato
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Grenzi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alex Costa
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Matteo Ballottari
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
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Bolaños-Martínez OC, Malla A, Rosales-Mendoza S, Vimolmangkang S. Harnessing the advances of genetic engineering in microalgae for the production of cannabinoids. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2023; 43:823-834. [PMID: 35762029 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2022.2071672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is widely recognized as a medicinal plant owing to bioactive cannabinoids. However, it is still considered a narcotic plant, making it hard to be accessed. Since the biosynthetic pathway of cannabinoids is disclosed, biotechnological methods can be employed to produce cannabinoids in heterologous systems. This would pave the way toward biosynthesizing any cannabinoid compound of interest, especially minor substances that are less produced by a plant but have a high medicinal value. In this context, microalgae have attracted increasing scientific interest given their unique potential for biopharmaceutical production. In the present review, the current knowledge on cannabinoid production in different hosts is summarized and the biotechnological potential of microalgae as an emerging platform for synthetic production is put in perspective. A critical survey of genetic requirements and various transformation approaches are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omayra C Bolaños-Martínez
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ashwini Malla
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Sornkanok Vimolmangkang
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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21
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Lau CS, Dowle A, Thomas GH, Girr P, Mackinder LCM. A phase-separated CO2-fixing pyrenoid proteome determined by TurboID in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3260-3279. [PMID: 37195994 PMCID: PMC10473203 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Phase separation underpins many biologically important cellular events such as RNA metabolism, signaling, and CO2 fixation. However, determining the composition of a phase-separated organelle is often challenging due to its sensitivity to environmental conditions, which limits the application of traditional proteomic techniques like organellar purification or affinity purification mass spectrometry to understand their composition. In Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Rubisco is condensed into a crucial phase-separated organelle called the pyrenoid that improves photosynthetic performance by supplying Rubisco with elevated concentrations of CO2. Here, we developed a TurboID-based proximity labeling technique in which proximal proteins in Chlamydomonas chloroplasts are labeled by biotin radicals generated from the TurboID-tagged protein. By fusing 2 core pyrenoid components with the TurboID tag, we generated a high-confidence pyrenoid proxiome that contains most known pyrenoid proteins, in addition to new pyrenoid candidates. Fluorescence protein tagging of 7 previously uncharacterized TurboID-identified proteins showed that 6 localized to a range of subpyrenoid regions. The resulting proxiome also suggests new secondary functions for the pyrenoid in RNA-associated processes and redox-sensitive iron-sulfur cluster metabolism. This developed pipeline can be used to investigate a broad range of biological processes in Chlamydomonas, especially at a temporally resolved suborganellar resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Sing Lau
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Adam Dowle
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Gavin H Thomas
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Philipp Girr
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Luke C M Mackinder
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
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22
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Boisset ND, Favoino G, Meloni M, Jomat L, Cassier-Chauvat C, Zaffagnini M, Lemaire SD, Crozet P. Phosphoribulokinase abundance is not limiting the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1230723. [PMID: 37719215 PMCID: PMC10501310 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1230723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Improving photosynthetic efficiency in plants and microalgae is of utmost importance to support the growing world population and to enable the bioproduction of energy and chemicals. Limitations in photosynthetic light conversion efficiency can be directly attributed to kinetic bottlenecks within the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle (CBBC) responsible for carbon fixation. A better understanding of these bottlenecks in vivo is crucial to overcome these limiting factors through bio-engineering. The present study is focused on the analysis of phosphoribulokinase (PRK) in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We have characterized a PRK knock-out mutant strain and showed that in the absence of PRK, Chlamydomonas cannot grow photoautotrophically while functional complementation with a synthetic construct allowed restoration of photoautotrophy. Nevertheless, using standard genetic elements, the expression of PRK was limited to 40% of the reference level in complemented strains and could not restore normal growth in photoautotrophic conditions suggesting that the CBBC is limited. We were subsequently able to overcome this initial limitation by improving the design of the transcriptional unit expressing PRK using diverse combinations of DNA parts including PRK endogenous promoter and introns. This enabled us to obtain strains with PRK levels comparable to the reference strain and even overexpressing strains. A collection of strains with PRK levels between 16% and 250% of WT PRK levels was generated and characterized. Immunoblot and growth assays revealed that a PRK content of ≈86% is sufficient to fully restore photoautotrophic growth. This result suggests that PRK is present in moderate excess in Chlamydomonas. Consistently, the overexpression of PRK did not increase photosynthetic growth indicating that that the endogenous level of PRK in Chlamydomonas is not limiting the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle under optimal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas D. Boisset
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Parie-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7238, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8226, Paris, France
- Doctoral School of Plant Sciences, Université Paris-Saclay, Saint-Aubin, France
| | - Giusi Favoino
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Parie-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7238, Paris, France
| | - Maria Meloni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucile Jomat
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Parie-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7238, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Cassier-Chauvat
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), UMR 9198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Mirko Zaffagnini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stéphane D. Lemaire
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Parie-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7238, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8226, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Crozet
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Parie-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7238, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8226, Paris, France
- Polytech-Sorbonne, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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23
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Liu D, Garrigues S, de Vries RP. Heterologous protein production in filamentous fungi. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:5019-5033. [PMID: 37405433 PMCID: PMC10386965 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are able to produce a wide range of valuable proteins and enzymes for many industrial applications. Recent advances in fungal genomics and experimental technologies are rapidly changing the approaches for the development and use of filamentous fungi as hosts for the production of both homologous and heterologous proteins. In this review, we highlight the benefits and challenges of using filamentous fungi for the production of heterologous proteins. We review various techniques commonly employed to improve the heterologous protein production in filamentous fungi, such as strong and inducible promoters, codon optimization, more efficient signal peptides for secretion, carrier proteins, engineering of glycosylation sites, regulation of the unfolded protein response and endoplasmic reticulum associated protein degradation, optimization of the intracellular transport process, regulation of unconventional protein secretion, and construction of protease-deficient strains. KEY POINTS: • This review updates the knowledge on heterologous protein production in filamentous fungi. • Several fungal cell factories and potential candidates are discussed. • Insights into improving heterologous gene expression are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dujuan Liu
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Garrigues
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica Y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ronald P de Vries
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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24
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Perozeni F, Baier T. Current Nuclear Engineering Strategies in the Green Microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1566. [PMID: 37511941 PMCID: PMC10381326 DOI: 10.3390/life13071566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The green model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii recently emerged as a sustainable production chassis for the efficient biosynthesis of recombinant proteins and high-value metabolites. Its capacity for scalable, rapid and light-driven growth in minimal salt solutions, its simplicity for genetic manipulation and its "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) status are key features for its application in industrial biotechnology. Although nuclear transformation has typically resulted in limited transgene expression levels, recent developments now allow the design of powerful and innovative bioproduction concepts. In this review, we summarize the main obstacles to genetic engineering in C. reinhardtii and describe all essential aspects in sequence adaption and vector design to enable sufficient transgene expression from the nuclear genome. Several biotechnological examples of successful engineering serve as blueprints for the future establishment of C. reinhardtii as a green cell factory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Perozeni
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Thomas Baier
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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25
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Cao Y, Wang H, Jin P, Ma F, Zhou X. Identification and Characterization of the Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Gene from Branchiostoma belcheri: Insights into the Origin and Evolution of the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Gene Family. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2193. [PMID: 37443991 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) are a class of cell-surface endocytosis receptors that are mainly involved in cholesterol homeostasis and cellular signal transduction. Very-low-density lipoprotein receptors (VLDLRs), which are members of the LDLR family, have been regarded as multi-function receptors that fulfill diverse physiological functions. However, no VLDLR gene has been identified in protochordates to date. As a representative protochordate species, amphioxi are the best available example of vertebrate ancestors. Identifying and characterizing the VLDLR gene in amphioxi has high importance for exploring the evolutionary process of the LDLR family. With this study, a new amphioxus VLDLR gene (designated AmphiVLDLR) was cloned and characterized using RACE-PCR. The 3217 nt transcript of the AmphiVLDLR had a 2577 nt ORF, and the deduced 858 amino acids were highly conserved within vertebrate VLDLRs according to their primary structure and three-dimensional structure, both of which contained five characteristic domains. In contrast to other vertebrate VLDLRs, which had a conserved genomic structure organization with 19 exons and 18 introns, the AmphiVLDLR had 13 exons and 12 introns. The results of a selective pressure analysis showed that the AmphiVLDLR had numerous positive selection sites. Furthermore, the tissue expression of AmphiVLDLR using RT-qPCR showed that AmphiVLDLR RNA expression levels were highest in the gills and muscles, moderate in the hepatic cecum and gonads, and lowest in the intestines. The results of the evolutionary analysis demonstrated that the AmphiVLDLR gene is a new member of the VLDLR family whose family members have experienced duplications and deletions over the evolutionary process. These results imply that the functions of LDLR family members have also undergone differentiation. In summary, we found a new VLDLR gene homolog (AmphiVLDLR) in amphioxi. Our results provide insight into the function and evolution of the LDLR gene family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Cao
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Nanjing Normal University Taizhou College, Taizhou 225300, China
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Haili Wang
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Ping Jin
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Nanjing Normal University Taizhou College, Taizhou 225300, China
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26
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Zhuang H, Ou Y, Chen R, Huang D, Wang C. Comparing the Ability of Secretory Signal Peptides for Heterologous Expression of Anti-Lipopolysaccharide Factor 3 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:346. [PMID: 37367671 DOI: 10.3390/md21060346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-lipopolysaccharide factor 3 (ALFPm3) possesses a wide antimicrobial spectrum and high antibacterial and viral activities for broad application prospects in the aquaculture industry. However, the application of ALFPm3 is limited by its low production in nature, as well as its low activity when expressed in Escherichia coli and yeast. Although it has been proven that its secretory expression can be used to produce antimicrobial peptides with strong antimicrobial activity, there is no study on the high-efficiency secretory expression of ALFPm3 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In this study, signal peptides ARS1 and CAH1 were fused with ALFPm3 and inserted into the pESVH vector to construct pH-aALF and pH-cALF plasmids, respectively, that were transformed to C. reinhardtii JUV using the glass bead method. Subsequently, through antibiotic screening, DNA-PCR, and RT-PCR, transformants expressing ALFPm3 were confirmed and named T-JaA and T-JcA, respectively. The peptide ALFPm3 could be detected in algal cells and culture medium by immunoblot, meaning that ALFPm3 was successfully expressed in C. reinhardtii and secreted into the extracellular environment. Moreover, ALFPm3 extracts from the culture media of T-JaA and T-JcA showed significant inhibitory effects on the growth of V. harveyi, V. alginolyticus, V. anguillarum, and V. parahaemolyticus within 24 h. Interestingly, the inhibitory rate of c-ALFPm3 from T-JcA against four Vibrio was 2.77 to 6.23 times greater than that of a-ALFPm3 from T-JaA, indicating that the CAH1 signal peptide was more helpful in enhancing the secreted expression of the ALFPm3 peptide. Our results provided a new strategy for the secretory production of ALFPm3 with high antibacterial activity in C. reinhardtii, which could improve the application potentiality of ALFPm3 in the aquaculture industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Zhuang
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biological Development and Application, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yaohui Ou
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biological Development and Application, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ruoyu Chen
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biological Development and Application, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Danqiong Huang
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biological Development and Application, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Chaogang Wang
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biological Development and Application, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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27
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Yahya RZ, Wellman GB, Overmans S, Lauersen KJ. Engineered production of isoprene from the model green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Metab Eng Commun 2023; 16:e00221. [PMID: 37006831 PMCID: PMC10063407 DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2023.e00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Isoprene is a clear, colorless, volatile 5-carbon hydrocarbon that is one monomer of all cellular isoprenoids and a platform chemical with multiple applications in industry. Many plants have evolved isoprene synthases (IspSs) with the capacity to liberate isoprene from dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMADP) as part of cellular thermotolerance mechanisms. Isoprene is hydrophobic and volatile, rapidly leaves plant tissues and is one of the main carbon emission sources from vegetation globally. The universality of isoprenoid metabolism allows volatile isoprene production from microbes expressing heterologous IspSs. Here, we compared heterologous overexpression from the nuclear genome and localization into the plastid of four plant terpene synthases (TPs) in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Using sealed vial mixotrophic cultivation, direct quantification of isoprene production was achieved from the headspace of living cultures, with the highest isoprene production observed in algae expressing the Ipomoea batatas IspS. Perturbations of the downstream carotenoid pathway through keto carotenoid biosynthesis enhanced isoprene titers, which could be further enhanced by increasing flux towards DMADP through heterologous co-expression of a yeast isopentenyl-DP delta isomerase. Multiplexed controlled-environment testing revealed that cultivation temperature, rather than illumination intensity, was the main factor affecting isoprene yield from the engineered alga. This is the first report of heterologous isoprene production from a eukaryotic alga and sets a foundation for further exploration of carbon conversion to this commodity chemical.
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28
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Perozeni F, Pivato M, Angelini M, Maricchiolo E, Pompa A, Ballottari M. Towards microalga-based superfoods: heterologous expression of zeolin in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1184064. [PMID: 37229116 PMCID: PMC10203602 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1184064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are unicellular photosynthetic organisms that can be grown in artificial systems to capture CO2, release oxygen, use nitrogen- and phosphorus-rich wastes, and produce biomass and bioproducts of interest including edible biomass for space exploration. In the present study, we report a metabolic engineering strategy for the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to produce high-value proteins for nutritional purposes. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a species approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption, and its consumption has been reported to improve gastrointestinal health in both murine models and humans. By utilizing the biotechnological tools available for this green alga, we introduced a synthetic gene encoding a chimeric protein, zeolin, obtained by merging the γ-zein and phaseolin proteins, in the algal genome. Zein and phaseolin are major seed storage proteins of maize (Zea mays) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) that accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and storage vacuoles, respectively. Seed storage proteins have unbalanced amino acid content, and for this reason, need to be complemented with each other in the diet. The chimeric recombinant zeolin protein represents an amino acid storage strategy with a balanced amino acid profile. Zeolin protein was thus efficiently expressed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii; thus, we obtained strains that accumulate this recombinant protein in the endoplasmic reticulum, reaching a concentration up to 5.5 fg cell-1, or secrete it in the growth medium, with a titer value up to 82 µg/L, enabling the production of microalga-based super-food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Perozeni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Pivato
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Margherita Angelini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Maricchiolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Andrea Pompa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Matteo Ballottari
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
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29
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Blomme J, Wichard T, Jacobs TB, De Clerck O. Ulva: An emerging green seaweed model for systems biology. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37256696 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Green seaweeds exhibit a wide range of morphologies and occupy various ecological niches, spanning from freshwater to marine and terrestrial habitats. These organisms, which predominantly belong to the class Ulvophyceae, showcase a remarkable instance of parallel evolution toward complex multicellularity and macroscopic thalli in the Viridiplantae lineage. Within the green seaweeds, several Ulva species ("sea lettuce") are model organisms for studying carbon assimilation, interactions with bacteria, life cycle progression, and morphogenesis. Ulva species are also notorious for their fast growth and capacity to dominate nutrient-rich, anthropogenically disturbed coastal ecosystems during "green tide" blooms. From an economic perspective, Ulva has garnered increasing attention as a promising feedstock for the production of food, feed, and biobased products, also as a means of removing excess nutrients from the environment. We propose that Ulva is poised to further develop as a model in green seaweed research. In this perspective, we focus explicitly on Ulva mutabilis/compressa as a model species and highlight the molecular data and tools that are currently available or in development. We discuss several areas that will benefit from future research or where exciting new developments have been reported in other Ulva species.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Thomas Wichard
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Jena School for Microbial Communication, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas B Jacobs
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Clerck
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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30
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Niemeyer J, Fischer L, Aylward FO, Schroda M. Analysis of Viral Promoters for Transgene Expression and of the Effect of 5'-UTRs on Alternative Translational Start Sites in Chlamydomonas. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040948. [PMID: 37107706 PMCID: PMC10138193 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae biotechnology has the potential to produce high quality bioproducts in a sustainable manner. Here, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has shown great potential as a host for biotechnological exploitation. However, low expression of nuclear transgenes is still a problem and needs to be optimized. In many model organisms, viral promoters are used to drive transgene expression at high levels. However, no viruses are known to infect Chlamydomonas, and known viral promoters are not functional. Recently, two different lineages of giant viruses were identified in the genomes of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii field isolates. In this work, we tested six potentially strong promoters from these viral genomes for their ability to drive transgene expression in Chlamydomonas. We used ble, NanoLUC, and mCherry as reporter genes, and three native benchmark promoters as controls. None of the viral promoters drove expression of any reporter gene beyond background. During our study, we found that mCherry variants are produced by alternative in-frame translational start sites in Chlamydomonas. We show that this problem can be overcome by mutating the responsible methionine codons to codons for leucine and by using the 5'-UTR of βTUB2 instead of the 5'-UTRs of PSAD or RBCS2. Apparently, the βTUB2 5'-UTR promotes the use of the first start codon. This could be mediated by the formation of a stem-loop between sequences of the βTUB2 5'-UTR and sequences downstream of the first AUG in the mCherry reporter, potentially increasing the dwell time of the scanning 40S subunit on the first AUG and thus decreasing the probability of leaky scanning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus Niemeyer
- Molecular Biotechnology & Systems Biology, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 23, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Laura Fischer
- Molecular Biotechnology & Systems Biology, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 23, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | | | - Michael Schroda
- Molecular Biotechnology & Systems Biology, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 23, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
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31
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Amendola S, Kneip JS, Meyer F, Perozeni F, Cazzaniga S, Lauersen KJ, Ballottari M, Baier T. Metabolic Engineering for Efficient Ketocarotenoid Accumulation in the Green Microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:820-831. [PMID: 36821819 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Astaxanthin is a valuable ketocarotenoid with various pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Green microalgae harbor natural capacities for pigment accumulation due to their 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway. Recently, a redesigned ß-carotene ketolase (BKT) was found to enable ketocarotenoid accumulation in the model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and transformants exhibited reduced photoinhibition under high-light. Here, a systematic screening by synthetic transgene design of carotenoid pathway enzymes and overexpression from the nuclear genome identified phytoene synthase (PSY/crtB) as a bottleneck for carotenoid accumulation in C. reinhardtii. Increased ß-carotene hydroxylase (CHYB) activity was found to be essential for engineered astaxanthin accumulation. A combined BKT, crtB, and CHYB expression strategy resulted in a volumetric astaxanthin production of 9.5 ± 0.3 mg L-1 (4.5 ± 0.1 mg g-1 CDW) in mixotrophic and 23.5 mg L-1 (1.09 mg L-1 h-1) in high cell density conditions, a 4-fold increase compared to previous reports in C. reinhardtii. This work presents a systematic investigation of bottlenecks in astaxanthin accumulation in C. reinhardtii and the phototrophic green cell factory design for competitive use in industrial biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Amendola
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jacob S Kneip
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Florian Meyer
- Genetics of Prokaryotes, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Federico Perozeni
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Cazzaniga
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Kyle J Lauersen
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Matteo Ballottari
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Thomas Baier
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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Patel VK, Das A, Kumari R, Kajla S. Recent progress and challenges in CRISPR-Cas9 engineered algae and cyanobacteria. ALGAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.103068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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de Freitas BB, Overmans S, Medina JS, Hong PY, Lauersen KJ. Biomass generation and heterologous isoprenoid milking from engineered microalgae grown in anaerobic membrane bioreactor effluent. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 229:119486. [PMID: 36535088 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater (WW) treatment in anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR) is considered more sustainable than in aerobic reactors. However, outputs from AnMBR are a mixed methane and carbon dioxide gas stream as well as ammonium- (N) and phosphate- (P) containing waters. Using AnMBR outputs as inputs for photoautotrophic algal cultivation can strip the CO2 while removing N and P from effluent which feed algal biomass generation. Recent advances in algal engineering have generated strains that produce high-value side products concomitant with biomass, although only shown in heavily domesticated, lab-adapted strains. Here, it was investigated whether engineered Chlamydomonas reinhardtii could be grown directly in AnMBR effluent with CO2 concentrations found in AnMBR off-gas. The strain was found to proliferate over bacteria in the non-sterile effluent, consume N and P to levels that meet general discharge or reuse limits, and tolerate cultivation in modelled (extreme) outdoor environmental conditions prevalent along the central Red Sea coast. In addition to ∼2.4 g CDW L-1 biomass production in 96 h, a high-value heterologous sesquiterpene co-product could be obtained from 'milking' up to 837 µg L-1 culture in 96 h. This is the first demonstration of a combined bio-process that employs a heavily engineered algal strain to enhance the product generation potentials from AnMBR effluent treatment. This study shows it is possible to convert waste into value through use of engineered algae while also improving wastewater treatment economics through co-product generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Bastos de Freitas
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sebastian Overmans
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Julie Sanchez Medina
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pei-Ying Hong
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Kyle J Lauersen
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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Pervaiz R, Khan MA, Raza FA, Ahmad S, Zafar AU, Ahmed N, Akram M. Expression of a mosquito larvicidal gene in chloroplast and nuclear compartments of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. J Biotechnol 2022; 360:182-191. [PMID: 36368638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
As a part of the search for environment-friendly biocontrol of mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito larvicidal potential of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. jegathesan (Btj) Cry toxins is explored for toxins with increased toxicity. Safe delivery of the Cry toxins to mosquito larvae in aquatic habitats is a major concern. This is because in water bodies Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protein formulations degrade by sunlight, can sink down and get adsorbed by the silt. So, because of its short persistence the toxin requires repeated applications at the given site. Therefore, an upcoming approach is incorporating the Bt toxins in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii) because it is a food of mosquito larvae in water and its molecular toolkit is well investigated for foreign gene expression. The present work aimed to compare the feasibility of C. reinhardtii chloroplast and nuclear compartments for stable expression of Cry11Ba toxin as this is the most toxic Btj protein to date, lethal to different mosquito species. With chloroplast expression of cry11Ba gene we were able to generate marker-free C. reinhardtii strain stably expressing Cry11Ba protein and demonstrating mortality against Aedes aegypti larvae. Moreover, for nuclear expression linking the cry11Ba gene to zeocin via foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) 2A peptide resulted in the selection of transformants with increased cry11Ba mRNA expression levels by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Obtained results lay a foundation for the C. reinhardtii chloroplast expression system to be used for genetic engineering with Bt toxins which possess enhanced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabbia Pervaiz
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road, Thokar Niaz Baig Sector-1, Lahore 53700, Pakistan.
| | - Mohsin Ahmad Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road, Thokar Niaz Baig Sector-1, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Faiz Ahmed Raza
- Health Research Institute, National Institute of Health (HRI-NIH), Research Centre, King Edward Medical University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Sohail Ahmad
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road, Thokar Niaz Baig Sector-1, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Usman Zafar
- Qarshi University, 8-Km Thokar Niaz Baig, Canal Bank Road, Opposite Izmir Town, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Nadeem Ahmed
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road, Thokar Niaz Baig Sector-1, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Maham Akram
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road, Thokar Niaz Baig Sector-1, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
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Enhanced accumulation of oil through co-expression of fatty acid and ABC transporters in Chlamydomonas under standard growth conditions. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2022; 15:54. [PMID: 35596223 PMCID: PMC9123788 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-022-02154-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Chloroplast and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized fatty acid (FA) transporters have been reported to play important roles in oil (mainly triacylglycerols, TAG) biosynthesis. However, whether these FA transporters synergistically contribute to lipid accumulation, and their effect on lipid metabolism in microalgae are unknown.
Results
Here, we co-overexpressed two chloroplast-localized FA exporters (FAX1 and FAX2) and one ER-localized FA transporter (ABCA2) in Chlamydomonas. Under standard growth conditions, FAX1/FAX2/ABCA2 over-expression lines (OE) accumulated up to twofold more TAG than the parental strain UVM4, and the total amounts of major polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA) in TAG increased by 4.7-fold. In parallel, the total FA contents and major membrane lipids in FAX1/FAX2/ABCA2-OE also significantly increased compared with those in the control lines. Additionally, the total accumulation contribution ratio of PUFA, to total FA and TAG synthesis in FAX1/FAX2/ABCA2-OE, was 54% and 40% higher than that in UVM4, respectively. Consistently, the expression levels of genes directly involved in TAG synthesis, such as type-II diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGTT1, DGTT3 and DGTT5), and phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (PDAT1), significantly increased, and the expression of PGD1 (MGDG-specific lipase) was upregulated in FAX1/FAX2/ABCA2-OE compared to UVM4.
Conclusion
These results indicate that the increased expression of FAX1/FAX2/ABCA2 has an additive effect on enhancing TAG, total FA and membrane lipid accumulation and accelerates the PUFA remobilization from membrane lipids to TAG by fine-tuning the key genes involved in lipid metabolism under standard growth conditions. Overall, FAX1/FAX2/ABCA2-OE shows better traits for lipid accumulation than the parental line and previously reported individual FA transporter-OE. Our study provides a potential useful strategy to increase the production of FA-derived energy-rich and value-added compounds in microalgae.
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Cazzaniga S, Perozeni F, Baier T, Ballottari M. Engineering astaxanthin accumulation reduces photoinhibition and increases biomass productivity under high light in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2022; 15:77. [PMID: 35820961 PMCID: PMC9277849 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-022-02173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Astaxanthin is a highly valuable ketocarotenoid with strong antioxidative activity and is natively accumulated upon environmental stress exposure in selected microorganisms. Green microalgae are photosynthetic, unicellular organisms cultivated in artificial systems to produce biomass and industrially relevant bioproducts. While light is required for photosynthesis, fueling carbon fixation processes, application of high irradiance causes photoinhibition and limits biomass productivity. Results Here, we demonstrate that engineered astaxanthin accumulation in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii conferred high light tolerance, reduced photoinhibition and improved biomass productivity at high irradiances, likely due to strong antioxidant properties of constitutively accumulating astaxanthin. In competitive co-cultivation experiments, astaxanthin-rich Chlamydomonas reinhardtii outcompeted its corresponding parental background strain and even the fast-growing green alga Chlorella vulgaris. Conclusions Metabolic engineering inducing astaxanthin and ketocarotenoids accumulation caused improved high light tolerance and increased biomass productivity in the model species for microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Thus, engineering microalgal pigment composition represents a powerful strategy to improve biomass productivities in customized photobioreactors setups. Moreover, engineered astaxanthin accumulation in selected strains could be proposed as a novel strategy to outperform growth of other competing microalgal strains. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13068-022-02173-3.
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Dehghani J, Movafeghi A, Mathieu-Rivet E, Mati-Baouche N, Calbo S, Lerouge P, Bardor M. Microalgae as an Efficient Vehicle for the Production and Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Glycoproteins against SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20110657. [PMID: 36354980 PMCID: PMC9698596 DOI: 10.3390/md20110657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome–Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can infect various human organs, including the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, and gastrointestinal ones. The virus is internalized into human cells by binding to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor through its spike protein (S-glycoprotein). As S-glycoprotein is required for the attachment and entry into the human target cells, it is the primary mediator of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Currently, this glycoprotein has received considerable attention as a key component for the development of antiviral vaccines or biologics against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, since the ACE2 receptor constitutes the main entry route for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its soluble form could be considered as a promising approach for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 infection (COVID-19). Both S-glycoprotein and ACE2 are highly glycosylated molecules containing 22 and 7 consensus N-glycosylation sites, respectively. The N-glycan structures attached to these specific sites are required for the folding, conformation, recycling, and biological activity of both glycoproteins. Thus far, recombinant S-glycoprotein and ACE2 have been produced primarily in mammalian cells, which is an expensive process. Therefore, benefiting from a cheaper cell-based biofactory would be a good value added to the development of cost-effective recombinant vaccines and biopharmaceuticals directed against COVID-19. To this end, efficient protein synthesis machinery and the ability to properly impose post-translational modifications make microalgae an eco-friendly platform for the production of pharmaceutical glycoproteins. Notably, several microalgae (e.g., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Dunaliella bardawil, and Chlorella species) are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe human food. Because microalgal cells contain a rigid cell wall that could act as a natural encapsulation to protect the recombinant proteins from the aggressive environment of the stomach, this feature could be used for the rapid production and edible targeted delivery of S-glycoprotein and soluble ACE2 for the treatment/inhibition of SARS-CoV-2. Herein, we have reviewed the pathogenesis mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and then highlighted the potential of microalgae for the treatment/inhibition of COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Dehghani
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Laboratoire GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Ali Movafeghi
- Department of Plant, Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran
| | - Elodie Mathieu-Rivet
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Laboratoire GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Narimane Mati-Baouche
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Laboratoire GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Sébastien Calbo
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Inserm U1234, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Patrice Lerouge
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Laboratoire GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Muriel Bardor
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Laboratoire GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, F-76000 Rouen, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-35-14-67-51
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Gao Y, Li JN, Pu JJ, Tao KX, Zhao XX, Yang QQ. Genome-wide identification and characterization of the HSP gene superfamily in apple snails (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae) and expression analysis under temperature stress. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:2545-2555. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Freudenberg RA, Wittemeier L, Einhaus A, Baier T, Kruse O. Advanced pathway engineering for phototrophic putrescine production. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:1968-1982. [PMID: 35748533 PMCID: PMC9491463 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The polyamine putrescine (1,4-diaminobutane) contributes to cellular fitness in most organisms, where it is derived from the amino acids ornithine or arginine. In the chemical industry, putrescine serves as a versatile building block for polyamide synthesis. The green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii accumulates relatively high putrescine amounts, which, together with recent advances in genetic engineering, enables the generation of a powerful green cell factory to promote sustainable biotechnology for base chemical production. Here, we report a systematic investigation of the native putrescine metabolism in C. reinhardtii, leading to the first CO2 -based bio-production of putrescine, by employing modern synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies. A CRISPR/Cas9-based knockout of key enzymes of the polyamine biosynthesis pathway identified ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1) as a gatekeeper for putrescine accumulation and demonstrated that the arginine decarboxylase (ADC) route is likely inactive and that amine oxidase 2 (AMX2) is mainly responsible for putrescine degradation in C. reinhardtii. A 4.5-fold increase in cellular putrescine levels was achieved by engineered overexpression of potent candidate ornithine decarboxylases (ODCs). We identified unexpected substrate promiscuity in two bacterial ODCs, which exhibited co-production of cadaverine and 4-aminobutanol. Final pathway engineering included overexpression of recombinant arginases for improved substrate availability as well as functional knockout of putrescine degradation, which resulted in a 10-fold increase in cellular putrescine titres and yielded 200 mg/L in phototrophic high cell density cultivations after 10 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Freudenberg
- Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec)Bielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Luisa Wittemeier
- Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec)Bielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Alexander Einhaus
- Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec)Bielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Thomas Baier
- Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec)Bielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Olaf Kruse
- Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec)Bielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
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Gutiérrez S, Wellman GB, Lauersen KJ. Teaching an old ‘doc’ new tricks for algal biotechnology: Strategic filter use enables multi-scale fluorescent protein signal detection. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:979607. [PMID: 36213064 PMCID: PMC9540369 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.979607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are powerful reporters with a broad range of applications in gene expression and subcellular localization. High-throughput screening is often required to identify individual transformed cell lines in organisms that favor non-homologous-end-joining integration of transgenes into genomes, like in the model green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Strategic transgene design, including genetic fusion of transgenes to FPs, and strain domestication have aided engineering efforts in this host but have not removed the need for screening large numbers of transformants to identify those with robust transgene expression levels. FPs facilitate transformant screening by providing a visual signal indicating transgene expression. However, limited combinations of FPs have been described in alga and inherent background fluorescence from cell pigments can hinder FP detection efforts depending on available infrastructure. Here, an updated set of algal nuclear genome-domesticated plasmid parts for seven FPs and six epitope tags were generated and tested in C. reinhardtii. Strategic filter selection was found to enable detection of up to five independent FPs signals from cyan to far-red separately from inherent chlorophyll fluorescence in live algae at the agar plate-level and also in protein electrophoresis gels. This work presents technical advances for algal engineering that can assist reporter detection efforts in other photosynthetic host cells or organisms with inherent background fluorescence.
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Transformation of the symbiotic alga Oophila amblystomatis: a new tool for animal-algae symbiosis studies. Symbiosis 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-022-00861-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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HGT is widespread in insects and contributes to male courtship in lepidopterans. Cell 2022; 185:2975-2987.e10. [PMID: 35853453 PMCID: PMC9357157 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is an important evolutionary force shaping prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. HGT-acquired genes have been sporadically reported in insects, a lineage containing >50% of animals. We systematically examined HGT in 218 high-quality genomes of diverse insects and found that they acquired 1,410 genes exhibiting diverse functions, including many not previously reported, via 741 distinct transfers from non-metazoan donors. Lepidopterans had the highest average number of HGT-acquired genes. HGT-acquired genes containing introns exhibited substantially higher expression levels than genes lacking introns, suggesting that intron gains were likely involved in HGT adaptation. Lastly, we used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to edit the prevalent unreported gene LOC105383139, which was transferred into the last common ancestor of moths and butterflies. In diamondback moths, males lacking LOC105383139 courted females significantly less. We conclude that HGT has been a major contributor to insect adaptation.
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Einhaus A, Steube J, Freudenberg RA, Barczyk J, Baier T, Kruse O. Engineering a powerful green cell factory for robust photoautotrophic diterpenoid production. Metab Eng 2022; 73:82-90. [PMID: 35717002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Diterpenoids display a large and structurally diverse class of natural compounds mainly found as specialized plant metabolites. Due to their diverse biological functions they represent an essential source for various industrially relevant applications as biopharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and fragrances. However, commercial production utilizing their native hosts is inhibited by low abundances, limited cultivability, and challenging extraction, while the precise stereochemistry displays a particular challenge for chemical synthesis. Due to a high carbon flux through their native 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway towards photosynthetically active pigments, green microalgae hold great potential as efficient and sustainable heterologous chassis for sustainable biosynthesis of plant-derived diterpenoids. In this study, innovative synthetic biology and efficient metabolic engineering strategies were systematically combined to re-direct the metabolic flux through the MEP pathway for efficient heterologous diterpenoid synthesis in C. reinhardtii. Engineering of the 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (DXS) as the main rate-limiting enzyme of the MEP pathway and overexpression of diterpene synthase fusion proteins increased the production of high-value diterpenoids. Applying fully photoautotrophic high cell density cultivations demonstrate potent and sustainable production of the high-value diterpenoid sclareol up to 656 mg L-1 with a maximal productivity of 78 mg L-1 day-1 in a 2.5 L scale photobioreactor, which is comparable to sclareol titers reached by highly engineered yeast. Consequently, this work represents a breakthrough in establishing a powerful phototrophic green cell factory for the competetive use in industrial biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Einhaus
- Bielefeld University, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jasmin Steube
- Bielefeld University, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Robert Ansgar Freudenberg
- Bielefeld University, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jonas Barczyk
- Bielefeld University, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Baier
- Bielefeld University, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Olaf Kruse
- Bielefeld University, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
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Abdallah MN, Wellman GB, Overmans S, Lauersen KJ. Combinatorial Engineering Enables Photoautotrophic Growth in High Cell Density Phosphite-Buffered Media to Support Engineered Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Bio-Production Concepts. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:885840. [PMID: 35633717 PMCID: PMC9141048 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.885840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has emerged as a powerful green cell factory for metabolic engineering of sustainable products created from the photosynthetic lifestyle of this microalga. Advances in nuclear genome modification and transgene expression are allowing robust engineering strategies to be demonstrated in this host. However, commonly used lab strains are not equipped with features to enable their broader implementation in non-sterile conditions and high-cell density concepts. Here, we used combinatorial chloroplast and nuclear genome engineering to augment the metabolism of the C. reinhardtii strain UVM4 with publicly available genetic tools to enable the use of inorganic phosphite and nitrate as sole sources of phosphorous and nitrogen, respectively. We present recipes to create phosphite-buffered media solutions that enable high cell density algal cultivation. We then combined previously reported engineering strategies to produce the heterologous sesquiterpenoid patchoulol to high titers from our engineered green cell factories and show these products are possible to produce in non-sterile conditions. Our work presents a straightforward means to generate C. reinhardtii strains for broader application in bio-processes for the sustainable generation of products from green microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kyle J. Lauersen
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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Abdallah MN, Wellman GB, Overmans S, Lauersen KJ. Combinatorial Engineering Enables Photoautotrophic Growth in High Cell Density Phosphite-Buffered Media to Support Engineered Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Bio-Production Concepts. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:885840. [PMID: 35633717 DOI: 10.1101/2022.02.28.482248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has emerged as a powerful green cell factory for metabolic engineering of sustainable products created from the photosynthetic lifestyle of this microalga. Advances in nuclear genome modification and transgene expression are allowing robust engineering strategies to be demonstrated in this host. However, commonly used lab strains are not equipped with features to enable their broader implementation in non-sterile conditions and high-cell density concepts. Here, we used combinatorial chloroplast and nuclear genome engineering to augment the metabolism of the C. reinhardtii strain UVM4 with publicly available genetic tools to enable the use of inorganic phosphite and nitrate as sole sources of phosphorous and nitrogen, respectively. We present recipes to create phosphite-buffered media solutions that enable high cell density algal cultivation. We then combined previously reported engineering strategies to produce the heterologous sesquiterpenoid patchoulol to high titers from our engineered green cell factories and show these products are possible to produce in non-sterile conditions. Our work presents a straightforward means to generate C. reinhardtii strains for broader application in bio-processes for the sustainable generation of products from green microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak N Abdallah
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gordon B Wellman
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sebastian Overmans
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kyle J Lauersen
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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The Spermidine Synthase Gene SPD1: A Novel Auxotrophic Marker for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Designed by Enhanced CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050837. [PMID: 35269459 PMCID: PMC8909627 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Biotechnological application of the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii hinges on the availability of selectable markers for effective expression of multiple transgenes. However, biological safety concerns limit the establishment of new antibiotic resistance genes and until today, only a few auxotrophic markers exist for C. reinhardtii. The recent improvements in gene editing via CRISPR/Cas allow directed exploration of new endogenous selectable markers. Since editing frequencies remain comparably low, a Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery protocol was strategically optimized by applying nitrogen starvation to the pre-culture, which improved successful gene edits from 10% to 66% after pre-selection. Probing the essential polyamine biosynthesis pathway, the spermidine synthase gene (SPD1) is shown to be a potent selectable marker with versatile biotechnological applicability. Very low levels of spermidine (0.75 mg/L) were required to maintain normal mixotrophic and phototrophic growth in newly designed spermidine auxotrophic strains. Complementation of these strains with a synthetic SPD1 gene was achieved when the mature protein was expressed in the cytosol or targeted to the chloroplast. This work highlights the potential of new selectable markers for biotechnology as well as basic research and proposes an effective pipeline for the identification of new auxotrophies in C. reinhardtii.
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Kang NK, Baek K, Koh HG, Atkinson CA, Ort DR, Jin YS. Microalgal metabolic engineering strategies for the production of fuels and chemicals. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 345:126529. [PMID: 34896527 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are promising sustainable resources because of their ability to convert CO2 into biofuels and chemicals directly. However, the industrial production and economic feasibility of microalgal bioproducts are still limited. As such, metabolic engineering approaches have been undertaken to enhance the productivities of microalgal bioproducts. In the last decade, impressive advances in microalgae metabolic engineering have been made by developing genetic engineering tools and multi-omics analysis. This review presents comprehensive microalgal metabolic pathways and metabolic engineering strategies for producing lipids, long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids, terpenoids, and carotenoids. Additionally, promising metabolic engineering approaches specific to target products are summarized. Finally, this review discusses current challenges and provides future perspectives for the effective production of chemicals and fuels via microalgal metabolic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Kyu Kang
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Kwangryul Baek
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hyun Gi Koh
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Christine Anne Atkinson
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Donald R Ort
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Yong-Su Jin
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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McQuillan JL, Berndt AJ, Sproles AE, Mayfield SP, Pandhal J. Novel cis-regulatory elements as synthetic promoters to drive recombinant protein expression from the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii nuclear genome. N Biotechnol 2022; 68:9-18. [PMID: 34990855 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic green microalgae represent a sustainable, photosynthetic biotechnology platform for generating high-value products. The model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has already been used to generate high value bioproducts such as recombinant proteins and terpenoids. However, low, unstable, and variable nuclear transgene expression has limited the ease and speed of metabolic engineering and recombinant protein expression in this system. Here, novel genetic devices for transgene expression in C. reinhardtii have been developed by identifying cis-regulatory DNA elements capable of driving high transgene expression in C. reinhardtii promoters using de novo motif discovery informatics approaches. Thirteen putative motifs were synthesized as concatemers, linked to a common minimal basal promoter, and assayed for their activity to drive expression of a yellow fluorescent protein reporter gene. Following transformation of the vectors into C. reinhardtii by electroporation, in vivo measurements of yellow fluorescent protein expression by flow cytometry revealed that five of the DNA motifs analyzed displayed significantly higher reporter expression compared to the basal promoter control. Two of the concatemerized motifs, despite being much smaller minimal cis-regulatory elements, drove reporter expression at levels approaching that of the conventionally-used AR1 promoter. This analysis provides insight into C. reinhardtii promoter structure and gene regulation, and provides a new toolbox of cis-regulatory elements that can be used to drive transgene expression at a variety of expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie L McQuillan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Anthony J Berndt
- California Center for Algae Biotechnology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Ashley E Sproles
- California Center for Algae Biotechnology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Stephen P Mayfield
- California Center for Algae Biotechnology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Jagroop Pandhal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
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Kiefer AM, Niemeyer J, Probst A, Erkel G, Schroda M. Production and secretion of functional SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:988870. [PMID: 36204065 PMCID: PMC9530321 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.988870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The spike protein is the major protein on the surface of coronaviruses. It is therefore the prominent target of neutralizing antibodies and consequently the antigen of all currently admitted vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Since it is a 1,273-amino acids glycoprotein with 22 N-linked glycans, the production of functional, full-length spike protein was limited to higher eukaryotes. Here we report the production of full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein - lacking the C-terminal membrane anchor - as a secreted protein in the prefusion-stabilized conformation in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We show that the spike protein is efficiently cleaved at the furin cleavage site during synthesis in the alga and that cleavage is abolished upon mutation of the multi-basic cleavage site. We could enrich the spike protein from culture medium by ammonium sulfate precipitation and demonstrate its functionality based on its interaction with recombinant ACE2 and ACE2 expressed on human 293T cells. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a GRAS organism that can be cultivated at low cost in simple media at a large scale, making it an attractive production platform for recombinant spike protein and other biopharmaceuticals in low-income countries.
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Kselíková V, Singh A, Bialevich V, Čížková M, Bišová K. Improving microalgae for biotechnology - From genetics to synthetic biology - Moving forward but not there yet. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 58:107885. [PMID: 34906670 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that can be exploited for the production of different compounds, ranging from crude biomass and biofuels to high value-added biochemicals and synthetic proteins. Traditionally, algal biotechnology relies on bioprospecting to identify new highly productive strains and more recently, on forward genetics to further enhance productivity. However, it has become clear that further improvements in algal productivity for biotechnology is impossible without combining traditional tools with the arising molecular genetics toolkit. We review recent advantages in developing high throughput screening methods, preparing genome-wide mutant libraries, and establishing genome editing techniques. We discuss how algae can be improved in terms of photosynthetic efficiency, biofuel and high value-added compound production. Finally, we critically evaluate developments over recent years and explore future potential in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Kselíková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, 379 81 Třeboň, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Anjali Singh
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, 379 81 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Vitali Bialevich
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, 379 81 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Mária Čížková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, 379 81 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Bišová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, 379 81 Třeboň, Czech Republic.
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