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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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2
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Shomar H, Bokinsky G. Harnessing iron‑sulfur enzymes for synthetic biology. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119718. [PMID: 38574823 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119718] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Reactions catalysed by iron-sulfur (Fe-S) enzymes appear in a variety of biosynthetic pathways that produce valuable natural products. Harnessing these biosynthetic pathways by expression in microbial cell factories grown on an industrial scale would yield enormous economic and environmental benefits. However, Fe-S enzymes often become bottlenecks that limits the productivity of engineered pathways. As a consequence, achieving the production metrics required for industrial application remains a distant goal for Fe-S enzyme-dependent pathways. Here, we identify and review three core challenges in harnessing Fe-S enzyme activity, which all stem from the properties of Fe-S clusters: 1) limited Fe-S cluster supply within the host cell, 2) Fe-S cluster instability, and 3) lack of specialized reducing cofactor proteins often required for Fe-S enzyme activity, such as enzyme-specific flavodoxins and ferredoxins. We highlight successful methods developed for a variety of Fe-S enzymes and electron carriers for overcoming these difficulties. We use heterologous nitrogenase expression as a grand case study demonstrating how each of these challenges can be addressed. We predict that recent breakthroughs in protein structure prediction and design will prove well-suited to addressing each of these challenges. A reliable toolkit for harnessing Fe-S enzymes in engineered metabolic pathways will accelerate the development of industry-ready Fe-S enzyme-dependent biosynthesis pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Shomar
- Institut Pasteur, université Paris Cité, Inserm U1284, Diversité moléculaire des microbes (Molecular Diversity of Microbes lab), 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gregory Bokinsky
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.
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3
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Kugler A, Stensjö K. Machine learning predicts system-wide metabolic flux control in cyanobacteria. Metab Eng 2024; 82:171-182. [PMID: 38395194 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2024.02.013] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic fluxes and their control mechanisms are fundamental in cellular metabolism, offering insights for the study of biological systems and biotechnological applications. However, quantitative and predictive understanding of controlling biochemical reactions in microbial cell factories, especially at the system level, is limited. In this work, we present ARCTICA, a computational framework that integrates constraint-based modelling with machine learning tools to address this challenge. Using the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as chassis, we demonstrate that ARCTICA effectively simulates global-scale metabolic flux control. Key findings are that (i) the photosynthetic bioproduction is mainly governed by enzymes within the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle, rather than by those involve in the biosynthesis of the end-product, (ii) the catalytic capacity of the CBB cycle limits the photosynthetic activity and downstream pathways and (iii) ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) is a major, but not the most, limiting step within the CBB cycle. Predicted metabolic reactions qualitatively align with prior experimental observations, validating our modelling approach. ARCTICA serves as a valuable pipeline for understanding cellular physiology and predicting rate-limiting steps in genome-scale metabolic networks, and thus provides guidance for bioengineering of cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kugler
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, SE-751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Stensjö
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, SE-751 20, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Melis A, Hidalgo Martinez DA, Betterle N. Perspectives of cyanobacterial cell factories. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2023:10.1007/s11120-023-01056-4. [PMID: 37966575 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-023-01056-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic photosynthetic microorganisms that can generate, in addition to biomass, useful chemicals and proteins/enzymes, essentially from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. Selected aspects of cyanobacterial production (isoprenoids and high-value proteins) and scale-up methods suitable for product generation and downstream processing are addressed in this review. The work focuses on the challenge and promise of specialty chemicals and proteins production, with isoprenoid products and biopharma proteins as study cases, and the challenges encountered in the expression of recombinant proteins/enzymes, which underline the essence of synthetic biology with these microorganisms. Progress and the current state-of-the-art in these targeted topics are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Melis
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, MC-3102, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA.
| | - Diego Alberto Hidalgo Martinez
- Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nico Betterle
- SoLELab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
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5
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Yadav I, Rautela A, Gangwar A, Wagadre L, Rawat S, Kumar S. Enhancement of isoprene production in engineered Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973 by metabolic pathway inhibition and machine learning-based optimization strategy. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 387:129677. [PMID: 37579861 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129677] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
An engineered Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973-IspS.IDI is used to enhance isoprene production through geranyl diphosphate synthase (CrtE) inhibition and process parameters (light intensity, NaHCO3 and growth temperature) optimization approach. A cumulative isoprene production of 1.21 mg/gDCW was achieved with productivity of 12.6 μg/gDCW/h in culture supplemented with 20 μg/mL alendronate. This inhibition strategy improvises the cumulative isoprene production 5.76-fold in presence of alendronate. The maximum cumulative production of isoprene is observed to be 5.22 and 6.20 mg/gDCW (54.4 and 64.6 μg/gDCW/h) at statistical and artificial neural network genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) optimized conditions, respectively. The overall increase of isoprene production is found to be 29.52-fold using an integrated approach of inhibition and ANN-GA optimization in comparison to unoptimized cultures without alendronate. This study reveals that alendronate use as a potential inhibitor and machine learning based optimization is a better approach in comparison to statistical optimization to enhance the isoprene production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrajeet Yadav
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Akhil Rautela
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Agendra Gangwar
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Lokesh Wagadre
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Shweta Rawat
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India.
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6
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Kugler A, Stensjö K. Optimal energy and redox metabolism in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:47. [PMID: 37739963 PMCID: PMC10516873 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding energy and redox homeostasis and carbon partitioning is crucial for systems metabolic engineering of cell factories. Carbon metabolism alone cannot achieve maximal accumulation of metabolites in production hosts, since an efficient production of target molecules requires energy and redox balance, in addition to carbon flow. The interplay between cofactor regeneration and heterologous production in photosynthetic microorganisms is not fully explored. To investigate the optimality of energy and redox metabolism, while overproducing alkenes-isobutene, isoprene, ethylene and 1-undecene, in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, we applied stoichiometric metabolic modelling. Our network-wide analysis indicates that the rate of NAD(P)H regeneration, rather than of ATP, controls ATP/NADPH ratio, and thereby bioproduction. The simulation also implies that energy and redox balance is interconnected with carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Furthermore, we show that an auxiliary pathway, composed of serine, one-carbon and glycine metabolism, supports cellular redox homeostasis and ATP cycling. The study revealed non-intuitive metabolic pathways required to enhance alkene production, which are mainly driven by a few key reactions carrying a high flux. We envision that the presented comparative in-silico metabolic analysis will guide the rational design of Synechocystis as a photobiological production platform of target chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kugler
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, SE-751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Stensjö
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, SE-751 20, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Xie H, Kjellström J, Lindblad P. Sustainable production of photosynthetic isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:134. [PMID: 37684613 PMCID: PMC10492371 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02385-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyanobacteria are emerging as green cell factories for sustainable biofuel and chemical production, due to their photosynthetic ability to use solar energy, carbon dioxide and water in a direct process. The model cyanobacterial strain Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 has been engineered for the isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol production by introducing a synthetic 2-keto acid pathway. However, the achieved productions still remained low. In the present study, diverse metabolic engineering strategies were implemented in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 for further enhanced photosynthetic isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol production. RESULTS Long-term cultivation was performed on two selected strains resulting in maximum cumulative isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol titers of 1247 mg L-1 and 389 mg L-1, on day 58 and day 48, respectively. Novel Synechocystis strain integrated with a native 2-keto acid pathway was generated and showed a production of 98 mg isobutanol L-1 in short-term screening experiments. Enhanced isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol production was observed when increasing the kivdS286T copy number from three to four. Isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol production was effectively improved when overexpressing selected genes of the central carbon metabolism. Identified genes are potential metabolic engineering targets to further enhance productivity of pyruvate-derived bioproducts in cyanobacteria. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol production was successfully achieved in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 strains through diverse metabolic engineering strategies. The maximum cumulative isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol titers, 1247 mg L-1 and 389 mg L-1, respectively, represent the current highest value reported. The significantly enhanced isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol production in this study further pave the way for an industrial application of photosynthetic cyanobacteria-based biofuel and chemical synthesis from CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xie
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 75120 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jarl Kjellström
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 75120 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 75120 Uppsala, Sweden
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Li J, Quan Y, Wu Z, Han J, Zhang Y, Javed HU, Ma C, Jiu S, Zhang C, Wang L, Wang S. EBR and JA regulate aroma substance biosynthesis in 'Ruidu Hongyu' grapevine berries by transcriptome and metabolite combined analysis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1185049. [PMID: 37346128 PMCID: PMC10279965 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1185049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Volatile compounds including terpenes, aldehyde, phenol, and alcohol are significantly contributed floral and fruity aromas to the Muscat variety. 'Ruidu Hongyu' grapevine is one of the newly developed grape varieties, and cultivation of this variety has been extended across China due to unique quality traits and taste. In this study, HS-SPME/GC-MS and transcriptome sequencing analysis were performed to evaluate the impact of exogenous 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBR), jasmonic acid (JA), and their signaling inhibitors brassinazole (Brz)/sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DIECA) on the biosynthesis of aroma substances in 'Ruidu Hongyu' grapevine. According to the results, exogenous BR and JA promoted the accumulation of various aroma substances, including hexenal, 2-hexenal, nerol oxide, vanillin, hotrienol, terpineol, neral, nerol, geraniol, and geranic acid. After EBR and JA treatments, most of the genes responsible for terpene, aldehyde, and alcohol biosynthesis expressed at a higher level than the CK group. Relatively, EBR treatment could not only promote endogenous BR biosynthesis and metabolism but also elevate BR signaling transduction. JA treatment contributed to endogenous JA and MeJA accumulation, as well. Through transcriptome sequencing, a total of 3043, 903, 1470, and 607 DEGs were identified in JA vs. JD, JA vs. CK, BR vs. CK, and BR vs. Brz, respectively. There were more DEGs under both EBR and JA treatments at late fruit ripening stages. The findings of this study increase our understanding regarding aroma substances biosynthesis and endogenous BR/JA metabolism in response to exogenous EBR and JA signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Li
- Department of Plant Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Quan
- Department of Plant Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zishu Wu
- Department of Plant Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayu Han
- Grape and Wine Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Grape and Wine Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hafiz Umer Javed
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhongkai University of Agricultural Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Plant Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Songtao Jiu
- Department of Plant Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Caixi Zhang
- Department of Plant Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Plant Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiping Wang
- Department of Plant Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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Germann AT, Nakielski A, Dietsch M, Petzel T, Moser D, Triesch S, Westhoff P, Axmann IM. A systematic overexpression approach reveals native targets to increase squalene production in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1024981. [PMID: 37324717 PMCID: PMC10266222 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1024981] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are a promising platform for the production of the triterpene squalene (C30), a precursor for all plant and animal sterols, and a highly attractive intermediate towards triterpenoids, a large group of secondary plant metabolites. Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 natively produces squalene from CO2 through the MEP pathway. Based on the predictions of a constraint-based metabolic model, we took a systematic overexpression approach to quantify native Synechocystis gene's impact on squalene production in a squalene-hopene cyclase gene knock-out strain (Δshc). Our in silico analysis revealed an increased flux through the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle in the Δshc mutant compared to the wildtype, including the pentose phosphate pathway, as well as lower glycolysis, while the tricarboxylic acid cycle predicted to be downregulated. Further, all enzymes of the MEP pathway and terpenoid synthesis, as well as enzymes from the central carbon metabolism, Gap2, Tpi and PyrK, were predicted to positively contribute to squalene production upon their overexpression. Each identified target gene was integrated into the genome of Synechocystis Δshc under the control of the rhamnose-inducible promoter Prha. Squalene production was increased in an inducer concentration dependent manner through the overexpression of most predicted genes, which are genes of the MEP pathway, ispH, ispE, and idi, leading to the greatest improvements. Moreover, we were able to overexpress the native squalene synthase gene (sqs) in Synechocystis Δshc, which reached the highest production titer of 13.72 mg l-1 reported for squalene in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 so far, thereby providing a promising and sustainable platform for triterpene production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna T. Germann
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Nakielski
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maximilian Dietsch
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tim Petzel
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Moser
- Institute for Plant Sciences and Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Triesch
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Westhoff
- Plant Metabolism and Metabolomics Laboratory, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ilka M. Axmann
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Vajravel S, Cid Gomes L, Rana A, Ottosson H. Toward combined photobiological-photochemical formation of kerosene-type biofuels: which small 1,3-diene photodimerizes most efficiently? Photochem Photobiol Sci 2023:10.1007/s43630-023-00418-0. [PMID: 37101106 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-023-00418-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
A transition from fossil- to bio-based hydrocarbon fuels is required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; yet, traditional biomass cultivation for biofuel production competes with food production and impacts negatively on biodiversity. Recently, we reported a proof-of-principle study of a two-step photobiological-photochemical approach to kerosene biofuels in which a volatile hydrocarbon (isoprene) is produced by photosynthetic cyanobacteria, followed by its photochemical dimerization into C10 hydrocarbons. Both steps can utilize solar irradiation. Here, we report the triplet state (T1)-sensitized photodimerization of a broader set of small 1,3-dienes to identify which structural features lead to rapid photodimerization. Neat 1,3-cyclohexadiene gave the highest yield (93%) after 24 h of irradiation at 365 nm, followed by isoprene (66%). The long triplet lifetime of 1,3-cyclohexadiene, which is two orders of magnitude longer than those of acyclic dienes, is key to its high photoreactivity and stem from its planar T1 state structure. In contrast, while isoprene is conformationally flexible, it has both photochemical and photobiological advantages, as it is the most reactive among the volatile 1,3-dienes and it can be produced by cyanobacteria. Finally, we explored the influence of solvent viscosity, diene concentration, and triplet sensitizer loading on the photodimerization, with a focus on conditions that are amenable when the dienes are produced photobiologically. Our findings should be useful for the further development of the two-step photobiological-photochemical approach to kerosene biofuels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhujaa Vajravel
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Leandro Cid Gomes
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anup Rana
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ottosson
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Rodrigues JS, Kovács L, Lukeš M, Höper R, Steuer R, Červený J, Lindberg P, Zavřel T. Characterizing isoprene production in cyanobacteria - Insights into the effects of light, temperature, and isoprene on Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 380:129068. [PMID: 37084984 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Engineering cyanobacteria for the production of isoprene and other terpenoids has gained increasing attention in the field of biotechnology. Several studies have addressed optimization of isoprene synthesis in cyanobacteria via enzyme and pathway engineering. However, only little attention has been paid to the optimization of cultivation conditions. In this study, an isoprene-producing strain of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and two control strains were grown under a variety of cultivation conditions. Isoprene production, as quantified by modified membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS) and interpreted using Flux Balance Analysis (FBA), increased under violet light and at elevated temperature. Increase of thermotolerance in the isoprene producer was attributed to the physical presence of isoprene, similar to plants. The results demonstrate a beneficial effect of isoprene on cell survival at higher temperatures. This increased thermotolerance opens new possibilities for sustainable bio-production of isoprene and other products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - László Kovács
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Martin Lukeš
- Institute of Microbiology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Rune Höper
- Institute for Biology, Theoretical Biology (ITB), Humboldt-University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Steuer
- Institute for Biology, Theoretical Biology (ITB), Humboldt-University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Červený
- Department of Adaptive Biotechnologies, Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pia Lindberg
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Tomáš Zavřel
- Department of Adaptive Biotechnologies, Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Barone GD, Cernava T, Ullmann J, Liu J, Lio E, Germann AT, Nakielski A, Russo DA, Chavkin T, Knufmann K, Tripodi F, Coccetti P, Secundo F, Fu P, Pfleger B, Axmann IM, Lindblad P. Recent developments in the production and utilization of photosynthetic microorganisms for food applications. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14708. [PMID: 37151658 PMCID: PMC10161259 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing use of photosynthetic microorganisms for food and food-related applications is driving related biotechnology research forward. Increasing consumer acceptance, high sustainability, demand of eco-friendly sources for food, and considerable global economic concern are among the main factors to enhance the focus on the novel foods. In the cases of not toxic strains, photosynthetic microorganisms not only provide a source of sustainable nutrients but are also potentially healthy. Several published studies showed that microalgae are sources of accessible protein and fatty acids. More than 400 manuscripts were published per year in the last 4 years. Furthermore, industrial approaches utilizing these microorganisms are resulting in new jobs and services. This is in line with the global strategy for bioeconomy that aims to support sustainable development of bio-based sectors. Despite the recognized potential of the microalgal biomass value chain, significant knowledge gaps still exist especially regarding their optimized production and utilization. This review highlights the potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria for food and food-related applications as well as their market size. The chosen topics also include advanced production as mixed microbial communities, production of high-value biomolecules, photoproduction of terpenoid flavoring compounds, their utilization for sustainable agriculture, application as source of nutrients in space, and a comparison with heterotrophic microorganisms like yeast to better evaluate their advantages over existing nutrient sources. This comprehensive assessment should stimulate further interest in this highly relevant research topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni D. Barone
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Corresponding author.
| | - Tomislav Cernava
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/I, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Jörg Ullmann
- Roquette Klötze GmbH & Co. KG, Lockstedter Chaussee 1, D-38486, Klötze, Germany
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea Hainan University, 58 Renmin Avenue, Meilan District, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, PR China
| | - Elia Lio
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies (SCITEC) “Giulio Natta” Italian National Research Council (CNR), via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna T. Germann
- Synthetic Microbiology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Nakielski
- Synthetic Microbiology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - David A. Russo
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Bioorganic Analytics, Lessingstr. 8, D-07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Ted Chavkin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Farida Tripodi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Coccetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Secundo
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies (SCITEC) “Giulio Natta” Italian National Research Council (CNR), via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Pengcheng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea Hainan University, 58 Renmin Avenue, Meilan District, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, PR China
| | - Brian Pfleger
- Knufmann GmbH, Bergstraße 23, D-38486, Klötze, Germany
| | - Ilka M. Axmann
- Synthetic Microbiology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, D-40001, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Corresponding author. Synthetic Microbiology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry–Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, SE-75120, Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Rodrigues JS, Bourgade B, Galle KR, Lindberg P. Mapping competitive pathways to terpenoid biosynthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 using an antisense RNA synthetic tool. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:35. [PMID: 36823631 PMCID: PMC9951418 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02040-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 utilizes pyruvate and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate via the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway for the biosynthesis of terpenoids. Considering the deep connection of the MEP pathway to the central carbon metabolism, and the low carbon partitioning towards terpenoid biosynthesis, significant changes in the metabolic network are required to increase cyanobacterial production of terpenoids. RESULTS We used the Hfq-MicC antisense RNA regulatory tool, under control of the nickel-inducible PnrsB promoter, to target 12 different genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis, central carbon metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis and ATP production, and evaluated the changes in the performance of an isoprene-producing cyanobacterial strain. Six candidate targets showed a positive effect on isoprene production: three genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis (crtE, chlP and thiG), two involved in amino acid biosynthesis (ilvG and ccmA) and one involved in sugar catabolism (gpi). The same strategy was applied to interfere with different parts of the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway in a bisabolene-producing strain. Increased bisabolene production was observed not only when interfering with chlorophyll a biosynthesis, but also with carotenogenesis. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that the Hfq-MicC synthetic tool can be used to evaluate the effects of gene knockdown on heterologous terpenoid production, despite the need for further optimization of the technique. Possible targets for future engineering of Synechocystis aiming at improved terpenoid microbial production were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- João S. Rodrigues
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Chemistry – Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Barbara Bourgade
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Chemistry – Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karen R. Galle
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Chemistry – Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pia Lindberg
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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15
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Satta A, Esquirol L, Ebert BE. Current Metabolic Engineering Strategies for Photosynthetic Bioproduction in Cyanobacteria. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020455. [PMID: 36838420 PMCID: PMC9964548 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms capable of using solar energy to convert CO2 and H2O into O2 and energy-rich organic compounds, thus enabling sustainable production of a wide range of bio-products. More and more strains of cyanobacteria are identified that show great promise as cell platforms for the generation of bioproducts. However, strain development is still required to optimize their biosynthesis and increase titers for industrial applications. This review describes the most well-known, newest and most promising strains available to the community and gives an overview of current cyanobacterial biotechnology and the latest innovative strategies used for engineering cyanobacteria. We summarize advanced synthetic biology tools for modulating gene expression and their use in metabolic pathway engineering to increase the production of value-added compounds, such as terpenoids, fatty acids and sugars, to provide a go-to source for scientists starting research in cyanobacterial metabolic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Satta
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy
| | - Lygie Esquirol
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Natha, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Birgitta E. Ebert
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence:
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16
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Kumar N, Kar S, Shukla P. Role of regulatory pathways and multi-omics approaches for carbon capture and mitigation in cyanobacteria. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 366:128104. [PMID: 36257524 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are known for their metabolic potential and carbon capture and sequestration capabilities. These cyanobacteria are not only an effective source for carbon minimization and resource mobilization into value-added products for biotechnological gains. The present review focuses on the detailed description of carbon capture mechanisms exerted by the various cyanobacterial strains, the role of important regulatory pathways, and their subsequent genes responsible for such mechanisms. Moreover, this review will also describe effectual mechanisms of central carbon metabolism like isoprene synthesis, ethylene production, MEP pathway, and the role of Glyoxylate shunt in the carbon sequestration mechanisms. This review also describes some interesting facets of using carbon assimilation mechanisms for valuable bio-products. The role of regulatory pathways and multi-omics approaches in cyanobacteria will not only be crucial towards improving carbon utilization but also will give new insights into utilizing cyanobacterial bioresource for carbon neutrality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niwas Kumar
- Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions, Navrangapura, Ahmedabad 380009, India
| | - Srabani Kar
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Pratyoosh Shukla
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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17
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Iman MN, Herawati E, Fukusaki E, Putri SP. Metabolomics-driven strain improvement: A mini review. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1057709. [PMID: 36438656 PMCID: PMC9681786 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1057709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics has been established as a powerful and versatile technique for studying cellular metabolism by comprehensive analysis of metabolites in the cell. Although there are many scientific reports on the use of metabolomics for the elucidation of mechanism and physiological changes occurring in the cell, there are surprisingly very few reports on its use for the identification of rate-limiting steps in a synthetic biological system that can lead to the actual improvement of the host organism. In this mini review, we discuss different strategies for improving strain performance using metabolomics data and compare the application of metabolomics-driven strain improvement techniques in different host microorganisms. Finally, we highlight several success stories on the use of metabolomics-driven strain improvement strategies, which led to significant bioproductivity improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Nathanael Iman
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Elisa Herawati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
| | - Eiichiro Fukusaki
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sastia Prama Putri
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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18
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Rautela A, Kumar S. Engineering plant family TPS into cyanobacterial host for terpenoids production. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2022; 41:1791-1803. [PMID: 35789422 PMCID: PMC9253243 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-022-02892-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Terpenoids are synthesized naturally by plants as secondary metabolites, and are diverse and complex in structure with multiple applications in bioenergy, food, cosmetics, and medicine. This makes the production of terpenoids such as isoprene, β-phellandrene, farnesene, amorphadiene, and squalene valuable, owing to which their industrial demand cannot be fulfilled exclusively by plant sources. They are synthesized via the Methylerythritol phosphate pathway (MEP) and the Mevalonate pathway (MVA), both existing in plants. The advent of genetic engineering and the latest accomplishments in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering allow microbial synthesis of terpenoids. Cyanobacteria manifest to be the promising hosts for this, utilizing sunlight and CO2. Cyanobacteria possess MEP pathway to generate precursors for terpenoid synthesis. The terpenoid synthesis can be amplified by overexpressing the MEP pathway and engineering MVA pathway genes. According to the desired terpenoid, terpene synthases unique to the plant kingdom must be incorporated in cyanobacteria. Engineering an organism to be used as a cell factory comes with drawbacks such as hampered cell growth and disturbance in metabolic flux. This review set forth a comparison between MEP and MVA pathways, strategies to overexpress these pathways with their challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Rautela
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT (BHU), Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT (BHU), Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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19
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Klaus O, Hilgers F, Nakielski A, Hasenklever D, Jaeger KE, Axmann IM, Drepper T. Engineering phototrophic bacteria for the production of terpenoids. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 77:102764. [PMID: 35932511 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
With more than 80 000 compounds, terpenoids represent one of the largest classes of secondary metabolites naturally produced by various plants and other organisms. Owing to the tremendous structural diversity, they offer a wide range of properties relevant for biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. In this context, heterologous terpenoid production in engineered microbial hosts represents an often cost-effective and eco-friendly way to make these valuable compounds industrially available. This review provides an overview of current strategies to employ and engineer oxygenic and anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria as alternative cell factories for sustainable terpenoid production. Besides terpenoid pathway engineering, the effects of different illumination strategies on terpenoid photoproduction are key elements in the latest studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Klaus
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Fabienne Hilgers
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreas Nakielski
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dennis Hasenklever
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl-Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany; Institute of Bio, and Geosciences IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Ilka M Axmann
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Thomas Drepper
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany.
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20
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Liu Y, Wang Z, Cui Z, Qi Q, Hou J. Progress and perspectives for microbial production of farnesene. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 347:126682. [PMID: 35007732 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Farnesene is increasingly used in industry, agriculture, and other fields due to its unique and excellent properties, necessitating its efficient synthesis. Microbial synthesis is an ideal farnesene production method. Recently, researchers have used several strategies to optimize the production performance of microorganisms. This review summarized these strategies, including regulation of farnesene synthesis pathways, and proposed some emerging tools and methods in stain engineering. Meanwhile, new farnesene biosynthetic pathways and effective farnesene production from cheap or waste substrates were emphatically introduced. Finally, future farnesene biosynthesis challenges were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Zhaoxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Jin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China.
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21
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Xie H, Lindblad P. Expressing 2-keto acid pathway enzymes significantly increases photosynthetic isobutanol production. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:17. [PMID: 35105340 PMCID: PMC8805274 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01738-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cyanobacteria, photosynthetic microorganisms, are promising green cell factories for chemical production, including biofuels. Isobutanol, a four-carbon alcohol, is considered as a superior candidate as a biofuel for its high energy density with suitable chemical and physical characteristics. The unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803 has been successfully engineered for photosynthetic isobutanol production from CO2 and solar energy in a direct process. Results Heterologous expression of α-ketoisovalerate decarboxylase (KivdS286T) is sufficient for isobutanol synthesis via the 2-keto acid pathway in Synechocystis. With additional expression of acetolactate synthase (AlsS), acetohydroxy-acid isomeroreductase (IlvC), dihydroxy-acid dehydratase (IlvD), and alcohol dehydrogenase (Slr1192OP), the Synechocystis strain HX42, with a functional 2-keto acid pathway, showed enhanced isobutanol production reaching 98 mg L−1 in short-term screening experiments. Through modulating kivdS286T copy numbers as well as the composition of the 5′-region, a final Synechocystis strain HX47 with three copies of kivdS286T showed a significantly improved isobutanol production of 144 mg L−1, an 177% increase compared to the previously reported best producing strain under identical conditions. Conclusions This work demonstrates the feasibility to express heterologous genes with a combination of self-replicating plasmid-based system and genome-based system in Synechocystis cells. Obtained isobutanol-producing Synechocystis strains form the base for further investigation of continuous, long-term-photosynthetic isobutanol production from solar energy and carbon dioxide. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-022-01738-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xie
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 75120, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 75120, Uppsala, Sweden.
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22
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Kukil K, Lindberg P. Expression of phenylalanine ammonia lyases in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and subsequent improvements of sustainable production of phenylpropanoids. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:8. [PMID: 35012528 PMCID: PMC8750797 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01735-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Phenylpropanoids represent a diverse class of industrially important secondary metabolites, synthesized in plants from phenylalanine and tyrosine. Cyanobacteria have a great potential for sustainable production of phenylpropanoids directly from CO2, due to their photosynthetic lifestyle with a fast growth compared to plants and the ease of generating genetically engineered strains. This study focuses on photosynthetic production of the starting compounds of the phenylpropanoid pathway, trans-cinnamic acid and p-coumaric acid, in the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Synechocystis). Results A selected set of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzymes from different organisms was overexpressed in Synechocystis, and the productivities of the resulting strains compared. To further improve the titer of target compounds, we evaluated the use of stronger expression cassettes for increasing PAL protein levels, as well as knock-out of the laccase gene slr1573, as this was previously reported to prevent degradation of the target compounds in the cell. Finally, to investigate the effect of growth conditions on the production of trans-cinnamic and p-coumaric acids from Synechocystis, cultivation conditions promoting rapid, high density growth were tested. Comparing the different PALs, the highest specific titer was achieved for the strain AtC, expressing PAL from Arabidopsis thaliana. A subsequent increase of protein level did not improve the productivity. Production of target compounds in strains where the slr1573 laccase had been knocked out was found to be lower compared to strains with wild type background, and the Δslr1573 strains exhibited a strong phenotype of slower growth rate and lower pigment content. Application of a high-density cultivation system for the growth of production strains allowed reaching the highest total titers of trans-cinnamic and p-coumaric acids reported so far, at around 0.8 and 0.4 g L−1, respectively, after 4 days. Conclusions Production of trans-cinnamic acid, unlike that of p-coumaric acid, is not limited by the protein level of heterologously expressed PAL in Synechocystis. High density cultivation led to higher titres of both products, while knocking out slr1573 did not have a positive effect on production. This work contributes to capability of exploiting the primary metabolism of cyanobacteria for sustainable production of plant phenylpropanoids. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-021-01735-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Kukil
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, SE 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pia Lindberg
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, SE 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden.
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23
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Kato Y, Inabe K, Hidese R, Kondo A, Hasunuma T. Metabolomics-based engineering for biofuel and bio-based chemical production in microalgae and cyanobacteria: A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 344:126196. [PMID: 34710610 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metabolomics, an essential tool in modern synthetic biology based on the design-build-test-learn platform, is useful for obtaining a detailed understanding of cellular metabolic mechanisms through comprehensive analyses of the metabolite pool size and its dynamic changes. Metabolomics is critical to the design of a rational metabolic engineering strategy by determining the rate-limiting reaction and assimilated carbon distribution in a biosynthetic pathway of interest. Microalgae and cyanobacteria are promising photosynthetic producers of biofuels and bio-based chemicals, with high potential for developing a bioeconomic society through bio-based carbon neutral manufacturing. Metabolomics technologies optimized for photosynthetic organisms have been developed and utilized in various microalgal and cyanobacterial species. This review provides a concise overview of recent achievements in photosynthetic metabolomics, emphasizing the importance of microalgal and cyanobacterial cell factories that satisfy industrial requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Kato
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Kosuke Inabe
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Ryota Hidese
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan; Graduate School of Science, Innovation and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan; Graduate School of Science, Innovation and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan; Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Hasunuma
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan; Graduate School of Science, Innovation and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan.
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24
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Pathania R, Srivastava A, Srivastava S, Shukla P. Metabolic systems biology and multi-omics of cyanobacteria: Perspectives and future directions. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 343:126007. [PMID: 34634665 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are oxygenic photoautotrophs whose metabolism contains key biochemical pathways to fix atmospheric CO2 and synthesize various metabolites. The development of bioengineering tools has enabled the manipulation of cyanobacterial chassis to produce various valuable bioproducts photosynthetically. However, effective utilization of cyanobacteria as photosynthetic cell factories needs a detailed understanding of their metabolism and its interaction with other cellular processes. Implementing systems and synthetic biology tools has generated a wealth of information on various metabolic pathways. However, to design effective engineering strategies for further improvement in growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and enhanced production of target biochemicals, in-depth knowledge of their carbon/nitrogen metabolism, pathway fluxe distribution, genetic regulation and integrative analyses are necessary. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the development of genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs), omics analyses (metabolomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, fluxomics), and integrative modeling approaches to showcase the current understanding of cyanobacterial metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Pathania
- Systems Biology for Biofuels Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, ICGEB Campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Amit Srivastava
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Shireesh Srivastava
- Systems Biology for Biofuels Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, ICGEB Campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India; DBT-ICGEB Center for Advanced Bioenergy Research, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Pratyoosh Shukla
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India; Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak 124001, Haryana, India.
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Carruthers DN, Lee TS. Diversifying Isoprenoid Platforms via Atypical Carbon Substrates and Non-model Microorganisms. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:791089. [PMID: 34925299 PMCID: PMC8677530 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.791089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Isoprenoid compounds are biologically ubiquitous, and their characteristic modularity has afforded products ranging from pharmaceuticals to biofuels. Isoprenoid production has been largely successful in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae with metabolic engineering of the mevalonate (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways coupled with the expression of heterologous terpene synthases. Yet conventional microbial chassis pose several major obstacles to successful commercialization including the affordability of sugar substrates at scale, precursor flux limitations, and intermediate feedback-inhibition. Now, recent studies have challenged typical isoprenoid paradigms by expanding the boundaries of terpene biosynthesis and using non-model organisms including those capable of metabolizing atypical C1 substrates. Conversely, investigations of non-model organisms have historically informed optimization in conventional microbes by tuning heterologous gene expression. Here, we review advances in isoprenoid biosynthesis with specific focus on the synergy between model and non-model organisms that may elevate the commercial viability of isoprenoid platforms by addressing the dichotomy between high titer production and inexpensive substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N Carruthers
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Taek Soon Lee
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
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26
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Taylor GM, Hitchcock A, Heap JT. Combinatorial assembly platform enabling engineering of genetically stable metabolic pathways in cyanobacteria. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:e123. [PMID: 34554258 PMCID: PMC8643660 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are simple, efficient, genetically-tractable photosynthetic microorganisms which in principle represent ideal biocatalysts for CO2 capture and conversion. However, in practice, genetic instability and low productivity are key, linked problems in engineered cyanobacteria. We took a massively parallel approach, generating and characterising libraries of synthetic promoters and RBSs for the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, and assembling a sparse combinatorial library of millions of metabolic pathway-encoding construct variants. Genetic instability was observed for some variants, which is expected when variants cause metabolic burden. Surprisingly however, in a single combinatorial round without iterative optimisation, 80% of variants chosen at random and cultured photoautotrophically over many generations accumulated the target terpenoid lycopene from atmospheric CO2, apparently overcoming genetic instability. This large-scale parallel metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria provides a new platform for development of genetically stable cyanobacterial biocatalysts for sustainable light-driven production of valuable products directly from CO2, avoiding fossil carbon or competition with food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- George M Taylor
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Andrew Hitchcock
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - John T Heap
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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27
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Shomar H, Bokinsky G. Towards a Synthetic Biology Toolset for Metallocluster Enzymes in Biosynthetic Pathways: What We Know and What We Need. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26226930. [PMID: 34834021 PMCID: PMC8617995 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbes are routinely engineered to synthesize high-value chemicals from renewable materials through synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. Microbial biosynthesis often relies on expression of heterologous biosynthetic pathways, i.e., enzymes transplanted from foreign organisms. Metallocluster enzymes are one of the most ubiquitous family of enzymes involved in natural product biosynthesis and are of great biotechnological importance. However, the functional expression of recombinant metallocluster enzymes in live cells is often challenging and represents a major bottleneck. The activity of metallocluster enzymes requires essential supporting pathways, involved in protein maturation, electron supply, and/or enzyme stability. Proper function of these supporting pathways involves specific protein-protein interactions that remain poorly characterized and are often overlooked by traditional synthetic biology approaches. Consequently, engineering approaches that focus on enzymatic expression and carbon flux alone often overlook the particular needs of metallocluster enzymes. This review highlights the biotechnological relevance of metallocluster enzymes and discusses novel synthetic biology strategies to advance their industrial application, with a particular focus on iron-sulfur cluster enzymes. Strategies to enable functional heterologous expression and enhance recombinant metallocluster enzyme activity in industrial hosts include: (1) optimizing specific maturation pathways; (2) improving catalytic stability; and (3) enhancing electron transfer. In addition, we suggest future directions for developing microbial cell factories that rely on metallocluster enzyme catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Shomar
- INSERM U722, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris, Site Xavier Bichat, 75018 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Gregory Bokinsky
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (G.B.)
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28
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Jaiswal D, Sahasrabuddhe D, Wangikar PP. Cyanobacteria as cell factories: the roles of host and pathway engineering and translational research. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 73:314-322. [PMID: 34695729 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria, a group of photoautotrophic prokaryotes, are attractive hosts for the sustainable production of chemicals from carbon dioxide and sunlight. However, the rates, yields, and titers have remained well below those needed for commercial deployment. We argue that the following areas will be central to the development of cyanobacterial cell factories: engineered and well-characterized host strains, model-guided pathway design, and advanced synthetic biology tools. Although several foundational studies report improved strain properties, translational research will be needed to develop engineered hosts and deploy them for metabolic engineering. Further, the recent developments in metabolic modeling and synthetic biology of cyanobacteria will enable nimble strategies for strain improvement with the complete cycle of design, build, test, and learn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damini Jaiswal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Deepti Sahasrabuddhe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Pramod P Wangikar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India.
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29
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Vavitsas K, Kugler A, Satta A, Hatzinikolaou DG, Lindblad P, Fewer DP, Lindberg P, Toivari M, Stensjö K. Doing synthetic biology with photosynthetic microorganisms. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 173:624-638. [PMID: 33963557 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The use of photosynthetic microbes as synthetic biology hosts for the sustainable production of commodity chemicals and even fuels has received increasing attention over the last decade. The number of studies published, tools implemented, and resources made available for microalgae have increased beyond expectations during the last few years. However, the tools available for genetic engineering in these organisms still lag those available for the more commonly used heterotrophic host organisms. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of the photosynthetic microbes most commonly used in synthetic biology studies, namely cyanobacteria, chlorophytes, eustigmatophytes and diatoms. We provide basic information on the techniques and tools available for each model group of organisms, we outline the state-of-the-art, and we list the synthetic biology tools that have been successfully used. We specifically focus on the latest CRISPR developments, as we believe that precision editing and advanced genetic engineering tools will be pivotal to the advancement of the field. Finally, we discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of each group of organisms and examine the challenges that need to be overcome to achieve their synthetic biology potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Vavitsas
- Enzyme and Microbial Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou Campus, Athens, Greece
| | - Amit Kugler
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Satta
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dimitris G Hatzinikolaou
- Enzyme and Microbial Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou Campus, Athens, Greece
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - David P Fewer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pia Lindberg
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mervi Toivari
- VTT, Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Espoo, Finland
| | - Karin Stensjö
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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30
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Genetic, Genomics, and Responses to Stresses in Cyanobacteria: Biotechnological Implications. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040500. [PMID: 33805386 PMCID: PMC8066212 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are widely-diverse, environmentally crucial photosynthetic prokaryotes of great interests for basic and applied science. Work to date has focused mostly on the three non-nitrogen fixing unicellular species Synechocystis PCC 6803, Synechococcus PCC 7942, and Synechococcus PCC 7002, which have been selected for their genetic and physiological interests summarized in this review. Extensive "omics" data sets have been generated, and genome-scale models (GSM) have been developed for the rational engineering of these cyanobacteria for biotechnological purposes. We presently discuss what should be done to improve our understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationships of these models and generate robust and predictive models of their metabolism. Furthermore, we also emphasize that because Synechocystis PCC 6803, Synechococcus PCC 7942, and Synechococcus PCC 7002 represent only a limited part of the wide biodiversity of cyanobacteria, other species distantly related to these three models, should be studied. Finally, we highlight the need to strengthen the communication between academic researchers, who know well cyanobacteria and can engineer them for biotechnological purposes, but have a limited access to large photobioreactors, and industrial partners who attempt to use natural or engineered cyanobacteria to produce interesting chemicals at reasonable costs, but may lack knowledge on cyanobacterial physiology and metabolism.
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31
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Current knowledge and recent advances in understanding metabolism of the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222317. [PMID: 32149336 PMCID: PMC7133116 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20193325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are key organisms in the global ecosystem, useful models for studying metabolic and physiological processes conserved in photosynthetic organisms, and potential renewable platforms for production of chemicals. Characterizing cyanobacterial metabolism and physiology is key to understanding their role in the environment and unlocking their potential for biotechnology applications. Many aspects of cyanobacterial biology differ from heterotrophic bacteria. For example, most cyanobacteria incorporate a series of internal thylakoid membranes where both oxygenic photosynthesis and respiration occur, while CO2 fixation takes place in specialized compartments termed carboxysomes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of our knowledge on cyanobacterial physiology and the pathways in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Synechocystis) involved in biosynthesis of sugar-based metabolites, amino acids, nucleotides, lipids, cofactors, vitamins, isoprenoids, pigments and cell wall components, in addition to the proteins involved in metabolite transport. While some pathways are conserved between model cyanobacteria, such as Synechocystis, and model heterotrophic bacteria like Escherichia coli, many enzymes and/or pathways involved in the biosynthesis of key metabolites in cyanobacteria have not been completely characterized. These include pathways required for biosynthesis of chorismate and membrane lipids, nucleotides, several amino acids, vitamins and cofactors, and isoprenoids such as plastoquinone, carotenoids, and tocopherols. Moreover, our understanding of photorespiration, lipopolysaccharide assembly and transport, and degradation of lipids, sucrose, most vitamins and amino acids, and haem, is incomplete. We discuss tools that may aid our understanding of cyanobacterial metabolism, notably CyanoSource, a barcoded library of targeted Synechocystis mutants, which will significantly accelerate characterization of individual proteins.
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32
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Lin PC, Zhang F, Pakrasi HB. Enhanced limonene production in a fast-growing cyanobacterium through combinatorial metabolic engineering. Metab Eng Commun 2021; 12:e00164. [PMID: 33659180 PMCID: PMC7890178 DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2021.e00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Terpenoids are a large and diverse group of natural products with commercial applications. Microbial production of terpenes is considered as a feasible approach for the stable supply of these complex hydrocarbons. Cyanobacteria, photosynthetic prokaryotes, are attractive hosts for sustainable bioproduction, because these autotrophs require only light and CO2 for growth. Despite cyanobacteria having been engineered to produce a variety of compounds, their productivities of terpenes are generally low. Further research is needed to determine the bottleneck reactions for enhancing terpene production in cyanobacteria. In this study, we engineered the fast-growing cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973 to produce a commercially-used terpenoid, limonene. We identified a beneficial mutation in the gene encoding geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase crtE, leading to a 2.5-fold increase in limonene production. The engineered strain produced 16.4 mg L−1 of limonene at a rate of 8.2 mg L−1 day−1, which is 8-fold higher than limonene productivities previously reported in other cyanobacterial species. Furthermore, we employed a combinatorial metabolic engineering approach to optimize genes involved in the upstream pathway of limonene biosynthesis. By modulating the expression of genes encoding the enzymes in the MEP pathway and the geranyl pyrophosphate synthase, we showed that optimization of the expression level is critical to enhance limonene production in cyanobacteria. Engineering of the fast growing cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973 for limonene production. Identification of a beneficial mutation with 2.5-fold increase in limonene productivity. Pathway optimization for limonene biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Cheng Lin
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Fuzhong Zhang
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Himadri B Pakrasi
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
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33
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Mustila H, Kugler A, Stensjö K. Isobutene production in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by introducing α-ketoisocaproate dioxygenase from Rattus norvegicus. Metab Eng Commun 2021; 12:e00163. [PMID: 33552898 PMCID: PMC7856465 DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2021.e00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria can be utilized as a platform for direct phototrophic conversion of CO2 to produce several types of carbon-neutral biofuels. One promising compound to be produced photobiologically in cyanobacteria is isobutene. As a volatile compound, isobutene will quickly escape the cells without building up to toxic levels in growth medium or get caught in the membranes. Unlike liquid biofuels, gaseous isobutene may be collected from the headspace and thus avoid the costly extraction of a chemical from culture medium or from cells. Here we investigate a putative synthetic pathway for isobutene production suitable for a photoautotrophic host. First, we expressed α-ketoisocaproate dioxygenase from Rattus norvegicus (RnKICD) in Escherichia coli. We discovered isobutene formation with the purified RnKICD with the rate of 104.6 ± 9 ng (mg protein)-1 min-1 using α-ketoisocaproate as a substrate. We further demonstrate isobutene production in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by introducing the RnKICD enzyme. Synechocystis strain heterologously expressing the RnKICD produced 91 ng l−1 OD750−1 h−1. Thus, we demonstrate a novel sustainable platform for cyanobacterial production of an important building block chemical, isobutene. These results indicate that RnKICD can be used to further optimize the synthetic isobutene pathway by protein and metabolic engineering efforts. Photosynthetic isobutene production is demonstrated in a cyanobacterium. A Synechocystis strain capable of continuous direct conversion of CO2 to isobutene. α-ketoisocaproate dioxygenase from R. norvegicus (RnKICD) is determined to form isobutene. RnKICD can convert α-ketoisocaproate to isobutene both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henna Mustila
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amit Kugler
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Stensjö
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
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Hilgers F, Habash SS, Loeschcke A, Ackermann YS, Neumann S, Heck A, Klaus O, Hage-Hülsmann J, Grundler FMW, Jaeger KE, Schleker ASS, Drepper T. Heterologous Production of β-Caryophyllene and Evaluation of Its Activity against Plant Pathogenic Fungi. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010168. [PMID: 33466643 PMCID: PMC7828715 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Terpenoids constitute one of the largest and most diverse groups within the class of secondary metabolites, comprising over 80,000 compounds. They not only exhibit important functions in plant physiology but also have commercial potential in the biotechnological, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors due to their promising properties, including various bioactivities against pathogens, inflammations, and cancer. In this work, we therefore aimed to implement the plant sesquiterpenoid pathway leading to β-caryophyllene in the heterologous host Rhodobacter capsulatus and achieved a maximum production of 139 ± 31 mg L-1 culture. As this sesquiterpene offers various beneficial anti-phytopathogenic activities, we evaluated the bioactivity of β-caryophyllene and its oxygenated derivative β-caryophyllene oxide against different phytopathogenic fungi. Here, both compounds significantly inhibited the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Fusarium oxysporum by up to 40%, while growth of Alternaria brassicicola was only slightly affected, and Phoma lingam and Rhizoctonia solani were unaffected. At the same time, the compounds showed a promising low inhibitory profile for a variety of plant growth-promoting bacteria at suitable compound concentrations. Our observations thus give a first indication that β-caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene oxide are promising natural agents, which might be applicable for the management of certain plant pathogenic fungi in agricultural crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Hilgers
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (F.H.); (A.L.); (Y.S.A.); (O.K.); (J.H.-H.); (K.-E.J.)
| | - Samer S. Habash
- INRES—Molecular Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Str. 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.H.); (S.N.); (F.M.W.G.)
| | - Anita Loeschcke
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (F.H.); (A.L.); (Y.S.A.); (O.K.); (J.H.-H.); (K.-E.J.)
| | - Yannic Sebastian Ackermann
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (F.H.); (A.L.); (Y.S.A.); (O.K.); (J.H.-H.); (K.-E.J.)
| | - Stefan Neumann
- INRES—Molecular Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Str. 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.H.); (S.N.); (F.M.W.G.)
| | - Achim Heck
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-1: Biotechnology) Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany;
| | - Oliver Klaus
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (F.H.); (A.L.); (Y.S.A.); (O.K.); (J.H.-H.); (K.-E.J.)
| | - Jennifer Hage-Hülsmann
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (F.H.); (A.L.); (Y.S.A.); (O.K.); (J.H.-H.); (K.-E.J.)
| | - Florian M. W. Grundler
- INRES—Molecular Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Str. 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.H.); (S.N.); (F.M.W.G.)
| | - Karl-Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (F.H.); (A.L.); (Y.S.A.); (O.K.); (J.H.-H.); (K.-E.J.)
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-1: Biotechnology) Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany;
| | - A. Sylvia S. Schleker
- INRES—Molecular Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Str. 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.H.); (S.N.); (F.M.W.G.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.S.S.); (T.D.)
| | - Thomas Drepper
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (F.H.); (A.L.); (Y.S.A.); (O.K.); (J.H.-H.); (K.-E.J.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.S.S.); (T.D.)
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Rodrigues JS, Lindberg P. Metabolic engineering of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 for improved bisabolene production. Metab Eng Commun 2020; 12:e00159. [PMID: 33489752 PMCID: PMC7809396 DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2020.e00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Terpenoids are a wide class of organic compounds with industrial relevance. The natural ability of cyanobacteria to produce terpenoids via the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway makes these organisms appealing candidates for the generation of light-driven cell factories for green chemistry. Here we address the improvement of the production of (E)-α-bisabolene, a valuable biofuel feedstock, in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 via sequential heterologous expression of bottleneck enzymes of the native pathway. Expression of the bisabolene synthase is sufficient to complete the biosynthetic pathway of bisabolene. Expression of a farnesyl-pyrophosphate synthase from Escherichia coli did not influence production of bisabolene, while enhancement of the MEP pathway via additional overexpression of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS) and IPP/DMAPP isomerase (IDI) significantly increased production per cell. However, in the absence of a carbon sink, the overexpression of DXS and IDI leads to significant growth impairment. The final engineered strain reached a volumetric titre of 9 mg L−1 culture of bisabolene after growing for 12 days. When the cultures were grown in a high cell density (HCD) system, we observed an increase in the volumetric titres by one order of magnitude for all producing-strains. The strain with improved MEP pathway presented an increase twice as much as the remaining engineered strains, yielding more than 180 mg L−1 culture after 10 days of cultivation. Furthermore, the overexpression of these two MEP enzymes prevented the previously reported decrease in the bisabolene specific titres when grown in HCD conditions, where primary metabolism is usually favoured. We conclude that fine-tuning of the cyanobacterial terpenoid pathway is crucial for the generation of microbial platforms for terpenoid production on industrial-scale. Overexpressing two bottleneck enzymes from MEP pathway doubles bisabolene titres. Enhancing MEP pathway in the absence of a proper carbon sink compromised growth. Growth of bisabolene-producing strains in HDC system increased titres by 10-fold. Improving MEP pathway prevents decrease in specific titres of cells grown in HDC. The best producing strain reached 180 mg L−1 bisabolene after 10 days growth in HDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- João S Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pia Lindberg
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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36
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Current processes and future challenges of photoautotrophic production of acetyl-CoA-derived solar fuels and chemicals in cyanobacteria. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 59:69-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Metabolic Engineering and Synthetic Biology of Cyanobacteria for Carbon Capture and Utilization. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-019-0447-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Molecular Cloning and Differential Gene Expression Analysis of 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-Phosphate Synthase (DXS) in Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) Nees. Mol Biotechnol 2020; 63:109-124. [PMID: 33222042 PMCID: PMC7680635 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-020-00287-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Andrographis paniculata 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (ApDXS) gene (GenBank Accession No MG271749.1) was isolated and cloned from leaves for the first time. Expression of ApDXS gene was carried out in Escherichia coli Rosetta cells. Tissue-specific ApDXS gene expression by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed maximum fold expression in the leaves followed by stem and roots. Further, the differential gene expression profile of Jasmonic acid (JA)-elicited in vitro adventitious root cultures showed enhanced ApDXS expression compared to untreated control cultures. A. paniculata 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (ApHMGR) gene expression was also studied where it was up-regulated by JA elicitation but showed lower expression compared to ApDXS. The highest expression of both genes was found at 25 µm JA elicitation followed by 50 µm. HPLC data indicated that the transcription levels were correlated with increased andrographolide accumulation. The peak level of andrographolide accumulation was recorded at 25 μM JA (9.38-fold) followed by 50 µM JA (7.58-fold) in elicitation treatments. The in silico generated ApDXS 3D model revealed 98% expected amino acid residues in the favored and 2% in the allowed regions of the Ramachandran plot with 92% structural reliability. Further, prediction of conserved domains and essential amino acids [Arg (249, 252, 255), Asn (307) and Ser (247)] involved in ligand/inhibitor binding was carried out by in silico docking studies. Our present findings will generate genomic information and provide a blueprint for future studies of ApDXS and its role in diterpenoid biosynthesis in A. paniculata.
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Microbial production of limonene and its derivatives: Achievements and perspectives. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 44:107628. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Liu R, Yu D, Deng Z, Liu T. Harnessing in vitro platforms for natural product research: in vitro driven rational engineering and mining (iDREAM). Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 69:1-9. [PMID: 33027693 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Well-known issues amid in vivo research of natural product discovery and overproduction, such as unculturable or unmanipulable microorganisms, labor-intensive experimental cycles, and hidden rate-limiting steps, have hampered relevant investigations. To overcome these long-standing challenges, many researchers are turning toward in vitro platforms, which bypass the complicated cellular machinery and simplify the study of natural products. Here, we summarize the in vitro driven rational engineering and mining (iDREAM) strategy, which harnesses the flexibility and controllability of in vitro systems to rationally overproduce commodity chemicals and efficiently mine novel compounds. The iDREAM strategy promises to make further significant contributions toward both fundamental advances and industrial practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Dingchen Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Zixin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China; Hubei Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Microbiology, Wuhan Institute of Biotechnology, Wuhan 430075, PR China
| | - Tiangang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China; Hubei Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Microbiology, Wuhan Institute of Biotechnology, Wuhan 430075, PR China.
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Lim H, Park J, Woo HM. Overexpression of the Key Enzymes in the Methylerythritol 4-phosphate Pathway in Corynebacterium glutamicum for Improving Farnesyl Diphosphate-Derived Terpene Production. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:10780-10786. [PMID: 32854502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c04307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
A systematic and combinatorial optimization has been employed to metabolically engineer microbes for identifying key gene targets for overexpression to increase the intermediate pools for terpenoid production. Herein, the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway in Corynebacterium glutamicum, an industrial host, was investigated to identify the key genes whose overexpression would improve the production of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP)-derived terpenoids (squalene and α-farnesene). Using a combinatorial approach with the single, double, and triple expression of genes in the MEP pathway in a high-throughput fermentation, overexpression of the ispDF genes, along with the known dxs and idi genes, was most effective at increasing the squalene contents, i.e., by 14-fold. The dxr gene was identified as the key target enzyme for α-farnesene production. This result could provide fundamental information for improving the metabolic engineering of C. glutamicum for terpene production via an optimized MEP pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonbae Lim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyun Park
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Min Woo
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- BioFoundry Research Center, Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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Nguyen AD, Kim D, Lee EY. Unlocking the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenoids from methane via the methylerythritol phosphate pathway in methanotrophic bacteria, using α-humulene as a model compound. Metab Eng 2020; 61:69-78. [PMID: 32387228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Isoprenoids are an abundant and diverse class of natural products with various applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and biofuel industries. A methanotroph-based biorefinery is an attractive scenario for the production of a variety of value-added compounds from methane, because methane is a promising alternative feedstock for industrial biomanufacturing. In this study, we metabolically engineered Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z for de novo synthesis of a sesquiterpenoid from methane, using α-humulene as a model compound, via optimization of the native methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. Expression of codon-optimized α-humulene synthase from Zingiber zerumbet in M. alcaliphilum 20Z resulted in an initial yield of 0.04 mg/g dry cell weight. Overexpressing key enzymes (IspA, IspG, and Dxs) for debottlenecking of the MEP pathway increased α-humulene production 5.2-fold compared with the initial strain. Subsequently, redirecting the carbon flux through the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway resulted in an additional 3-fold increase in α-humulene production. Additionally, a genome-scale model using flux scanning based on enforced objective flux method was used to identify potential overexpression targets to increase flux towards isoprenoid production. Several target reactions from cofactor synthesis pathways were probed and evaluated for their effects on α-humulene synthesis, resulting in α-humulene yield up to 0.75 mg/g DCW with 18.8-fold enhancement from initial yield. This study first demonstrates production of a sesquiterpenoid from methane using methanotrophs as the biocatalyst and proposes potential strategies to enhance production of sesquiterpenoid and related isoprenoid products in engineered methanotrophic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Duc Nguyen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, South Korea
| | - Donghyuk Kim
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, South Korea
| | - Eun Yeol Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, South Korea.
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43
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Dienst D, Wichmann J, Mantovani O, Rodrigues JS, Lindberg P. High density cultivation for efficient sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5932. [PMID: 32246065 PMCID: PMC7125158 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62681-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria and microalgae are attractive photoautotrophic host systems for climate-friendly production of fuels and other value-added biochemicals. However, for economic applications further development and implementation of efficient and sustainable cultivation strategies are essential. Here, we present a comparative study on cyanobacterial sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 using a commercial lab-scale High Density Cultivation (HDC) platform in the presence of dodecane as in-situ extractant. Operating in a two-step semi-batch mode over a period of eight days, volumetric yields of (E)-α-bisabolene were more than two orders of magnitude higher than previously reported for cyanobacteria, with final titers of 179.4 ± 20.7 mg * L−1. Likewise, yields of the sesquiterpene alcohols (−)-patchoulol and (−)-α-bisabolol were many times higher than under reference conditions, with final titers of 17.3 ± 1.85 mg * L−1 and 96.3 ± 2.2 mg * L−1, respectively. While specific productivity was compromised particularly for (E)-α-bisabolene in the HDC system during phases of high biomass accumulation rates, volumetric productivity enhancements during linear growth at high densities were more pronounced for (E)-α-bisabolene than for the hydroxylated terpenoids. Together, this study provides additional insights into cell density-related process characteristics, introducing HDC as highly efficient strategy for phototrophic terpenoid production in cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Dienst
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, Uppsala, 75120, Sweden
| | - Julian Wichmann
- Faculty of Biology - Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Oliver Mantovani
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, Uppsala, 75120, Sweden
| | - João S Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, Uppsala, 75120, Sweden
| | - Pia Lindberg
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, Uppsala, 75120, Sweden.
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Introduction of a green algal squalene synthase enhances squalene accumulation in a strain of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Metab Eng Commun 2020; 10:e00125. [PMID: 32123662 PMCID: PMC7038009 DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2020.e00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Squalene is a triterpene which is produced as a precursor for a wide range of terpenoid compounds in many organisms. It has commercial use in food and cosmetics but could also be used as a feedstock for production of chemicals and fuels, if generated sustainably on a large scale. We have engineered a cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, for production of squalene from CO2. In this organism, squalene is produced via the methylerythritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway for terpenoid biosynthesis, and consumed by the enzyme squalene hopene cyclase (Shc) for generation of hopanoids. The gene encoding Shc in Synechocystis was inactivated (Δshc) by insertion of a gene encoding a squalene synthase from the green alga Botryococcus braunii, under control of an inducible promoter. We could demonstrate elevated squalene generation in cells where the algal enzyme was induced. Heterologous overexpression of genes upstream in the MEP pathway further enhanced the production of squalene, to a level three times higher than the Δshc background strain. During growth in flat panel bioreactors, a squalene titer of 5.1 mg/L of culture was reached.
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Ng I, Keskin BB, Tan S. A Critical Review of Genome Editing and Synthetic Biology Applications in Metabolic Engineering of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria. Biotechnol J 2020; 15:e1900228. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201900228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I‐Son Ng
- Department of Chemical EngineeringNational Cheng Kung University Tainan 701 Taiwan
| | - Batuhan Birol Keskin
- Department of Chemical EngineeringNational Cheng Kung University Tainan 701 Taiwan
| | - Shih‐I Tan
- Department of Chemical EngineeringNational Cheng Kung University Tainan 701 Taiwan
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Betterle N, Hidalgo Martinez D, Melis A. Cyanobacterial Production of Biopharmaceutical and Biotherapeutic Proteins. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:237. [PMID: 32194609 PMCID: PMC7062967 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Efforts to express human therapeutic proteins in photosynthetic organisms have been described in the literature. Regarding microalgae, most of the research entailed a heterologous transformation of the chloroplast, but transformant cells failed to accumulate the desired recombinant proteins in high quantity. The present work provides methods and DNA construct formulations for over-expressing in photosynthetic cyanobacteria, at the protein level, human-origin bio-pharmaceutical and bio-therapeutic proteins. Proof-of-concept evidence is provided for the design and reduction to practice of "fusion constructs as protein overexpression vectors" for the generation of the bio-therapeutic protein interferon alpha-2 (IFN). IFN is a member of the Type I interferon cytokine family, well-known for its antiviral and anti-proliferative functions. Fusion construct formulations enabled accumulation of IFN up to 12% of total cellular protein in soluble form. In addition, the work reports on the isolation and purification of the fusion IFN protein and preliminary verification of its antiviral activity. Combining the expression and purification protocols developed here, it is possible to produce fairly large quantities of interferon in these photosynthetic microorganisms, generated from sunlight, CO2, and H2O.
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Wichmann J, Lauersen KJ, Kruse O. Green algal hydrocarbon metabolism is an exceptional source of sustainable chemicals. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 61:28-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Wu W, Du W, Gallego RP, Hellingwerf KJ, van der Woude AD, Branco dos Santos F. Using osmotic stress to stabilize mannitol production in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2020; 13:117. [PMID: 32636923 PMCID: PMC7331161 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-020-01755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mannitol is a C(6) polyol that is used in the food and medical sector as a sweetener and antioxidant, respectively. The sustainable production of mannitol, especially via the direct conversion of CO2 by photosynthetic cyanobacteria, has become increasingly appealing. However, previous work aiming to achieve mannitol production in the marine Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 via heterologous expression of mannitol-1-phosphate-5-dehydrogenase (mtlD) and mannitol-1-phosphatase (m1p, in short: a 'mannitol cassette'), proved to be genetically unstable. In this study, we aim to overcome this genetic instability by conceiving a strategy to stabilize mannitol production using Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 as a model cyanobacterium. RESULTS Here, we explore the stabilizing effect that mannitol production may have on cells faced with osmotic stress, in the freshwater cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. We first validated that mannitol can function as a compatible solute in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, and in derivative strains in which the ability to produce one or both of the native compatible solutes was impaired. Wild-type Synechocystis, complemented with a mannitol cassette, indeed showed increased salt tolerance, which was even more evident in Synechocystis strains in which the ability to synthesize the endogenous compatible solutes was impaired. Next we tested the genetic stability of all these strains with respect to their mannitol productivity, with and without salt stress, during prolonged turbidostat cultivations. The obtained results show that mannitol production under salt stress conditions in the Synechocystis strain that cannot synthesize its endogenous compatible solutes is remarkably stable, while the control strain completely loses this ability in only 6 days. DNA sequencing results of the control groups that lost the ability to synthesize mannitol revealed that multiple types of mutation occurred in the mtlD gene that can explain the disruption of mannitol production. CONCLUSIONS Mannitol production in freshwater Synechocsytis sp. PCC6803 confers it with increased salt tolerance. Under this strategy, genetically instability which was the major challenge for mannitol production in cyanobacteria is tackled. This paper marks the first report of utilization of the response to salt stress as a factor that can increase the stability of mannitol production in a cyanobacterial cell factory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyang Wu
- Molecular Microbial Physiology Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wei Du
- Molecular Microbial Physiology Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth Perez Gallego
- Photanol B.V, Matrix V, Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Present Address: NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 59, Den Burg, Texel, 1790 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas J. Hellingwerf
- Molecular Microbial Physiology Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Photanol B.V, Matrix V, Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Filipe Branco dos Santos
- Molecular Microbial Physiology Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Li M, Hou F, Wu T, Jiang X, Li F, Liu H, Xian M, Zhang H. Recent advances of metabolic engineering strategies in natural isoprenoid production using cell factories. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 37:80-99. [DOI: 10.1039/c9np00016j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This review covers the strategies mostly developed in the last three years for microbial production of isoprenoid, classified according to the engineering targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Li
- Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Qingdao 266101
- P. R. China
| | - Feifei Hou
- Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Qingdao 266101
- P. R. China
| | - Tong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Qingdao 266101
- P. R. China
| | - Xinglin Jiang
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability
- Technical University of Denmark
- Lyngby
- Denmark
| | - Fuli Li
- Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Qingdao 266101
- P. R. China
| | - Haobao Liu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory for Tobacco Biology and Processing
- Tobacco Research Institute
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
- Qingdao
- P. R. China
| | - Mo Xian
- Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Qingdao 266101
- P. R. China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Qingdao 266101
- P. R. China
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Metabolic model guided strain design of cyanobacteria. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 64:17-23. [PMID: 31585306 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are oxygenic photoautotrophs that serve as potential platforms for the production of biochemicals from cheap and renewable raw materials - sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Systems level analysis of the metabolic network of these organisms could enable the successful engineering of these organisms for the enhanced production of target chemicals. Metabolic modeling techniques including both stoichiometric and kinetic modeling with a genome-wide coverage enable a global assessment of metabolic capabilities. Recent studies guided by such modeling techniques have engineered strains for the enhanced production of valuable chemicals such as ethanol, n-butanol, 1,3-propanediol, glycerol, limonene, and isoprene from CO2.
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