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Ye Y, Liu M, Yu L, Sun H, Liu J. Nannochloropsis as an Emerging Algal Chassis for Light-Driven Synthesis of Lipids and High-Value Products. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:54. [PMID: 38393025 PMCID: PMC10890015 DOI: 10.3390/md22020054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In light of the escalating global energy crisis, microalgae have emerged as highly promising producers of biofuel and high-value products. Among these microalgae, Nannochloropsis has received significant attention due to its capacity to generate not only triacylglycerol (TAG) but also eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and valuable carotenoids. Recent advancements in genetic tools and the field of synthetic biology have revolutionized Nannochloropsis into a powerful biofactory. This comprehensive review provides an initial overview of the current state of cultivation and utilization of the Nannochloropsis genus. Subsequently, our review examines the metabolic pathways governing lipids and carotenoids, emphasizing strategies to enhance oil production and optimize carbon flux redirection toward target products. Additionally, we summarize the utilization of advanced genetic manipulation techniques in Nannochloropsis. Together, the insights presented in this review highlight the immense potential of Nannochloropsis as a valuable model for biofuels and synthetic biology. By effectively integrating genetic tools and metabolic engineering, the realization of this potential becomes increasingly feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ye
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; (Y.Y.); (M.L.); (L.Y.)
| | - Meijing Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; (Y.Y.); (M.L.); (L.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, Center for Algae Innovation & Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Lihua Yu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; (Y.Y.); (M.L.); (L.Y.)
| | - Han Sun
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology & Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; (Y.Y.); (M.L.); (L.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, Center for Algae Innovation & Engineering Research, School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
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Patwari P, Pruckner F, Fabris M. Biosensors in microalgae: A roadmap for new opportunities in synthetic biology and biotechnology. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108221. [PMID: 37495181 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Biosensors are powerful tools to investigate, phenotype, improve and prototype microbial strains, both in fundamental research and in industrial contexts. Genetic and biotechnological developments now allow the implementation of synthetic biology approaches to novel different classes of microbial hosts, for example photosynthetic microalgae, which offer unique opportunities. To date, biosensors have not yet been implemented in phototrophic eukaryotic microorganisms, leaving great potential for novel biological and technological advancements untapped. Here, starting from selected biosensor technologies that have successfully been implemented in heterotrophic organisms, we project and define a roadmap on how these could be applied to microalgae research. We highlight novel opportunities for the development of new biosensors, identify critical challenges, and finally provide a perspective on the impact of their eventual implementation to tackle research questions and bioengineering strategies. From studying metabolism at the single-cell level to genome-wide screen approaches, and assisted laboratory evolution experiments, biosensors will greatly impact the pace of progress in understanding and engineering microalgal metabolism. We envision how this could further advance the possibilities for unraveling their ecological role, evolutionary history and accelerate their domestication, to further drive them as resource-efficient production hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal Patwari
- SDU Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M DK-5230, Denmark
| | - Florian Pruckner
- SDU Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M DK-5230, Denmark
| | - Michele Fabris
- SDU Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M DK-5230, Denmark.
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Fathy WA, Techen N, Elsayed KNM, Essawy EA, Tawfik E, Alwutayd KM, Abdelhameed MS, Hammouda O, Ross SA. Applying an internal transcribed spacer as a single molecular marker to differentiate between Tetraselmis and Chlorella species. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1228869. [PMID: 37680531 PMCID: PMC10482269 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1228869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the realm of applied phycology, algal physiology, and biochemistry publications, the absence of proper identification and documentation of microalgae is a common concern. This poses a significant challenge for non-specialists who struggle to identify numerous eukaryotic microalgae. However, a promising solution lies in employing an appropriate DNA barcoding technique and establishing comprehensive databases of reference sequences. To address this issue, we conducted a study focusing on the molecular characterization and strain identification of Tetraselmis and Chlorella species, utilizing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) barcode approach. By analyzing the full nuclear ITS region through the Sanger sequencing approach, we obtained ITS barcodes that were subsequently compared with other ITS sequences of various Tetraselmis and Chlorella species. To ensure the reliability of our identification procedure, we conducted a meticulous comparison of the DNA alignment, constructed a phylogenetic tree, and determined the percentage of identical nucleotides. The findings of our study reveal the significant value of the ITS genomic region as a tool for distinguishing and identifying morphologically similar chlorophyta. Moreover, our results demonstrate that both the ITS1 and ITS2 regions are capable of effectively discriminating isolates from one another; however, ITS2 is preferred due to its greater intraspecific variation. These results underscore the indispensability of employing ITS barcoding in microalgae identification, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on morphological characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael A. Fathy
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
- Faculty of Science and Informatics, Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Natascha Techen
- National Centre for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, United States
| | - Khaled N. M. Elsayed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ehab A. Essawy
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt
| | - Eman Tawfik
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt
| | - Khairiah Mubarak Alwutayd
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S. Abdelhameed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ola Hammouda
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Samir A. Ross
- Faculty of Science and Informatics, Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, United States
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Diamond A, Diaz-Garza AM, Li J, Slattery SS, Merindol N, Fantino E, Meddeb-Mouelhi F, Karas BJ, Barnabé S, Desgagné-Penix I. Instability of extrachromosomal DNA transformed into the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. ALGAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.102998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Liu M, Ding W, Yu L, Shi Y, Liu J. Functional characterization of carotenogenic genes provides implications into carotenoid biosynthesis and engineering in the marine alga Nannochloropsis oceanica. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Gupta P, Hirschberg J. The Genetic Components of a Natural Color Palette: A Comprehensive List of Carotenoid Pathway Mutations in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 12:806184. [PMID: 35069664 PMCID: PMC8770946 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.806184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids comprise the most widely distributed natural pigments. In plants, they play indispensable roles in photosynthesis, furnish colors to flowers and fruit and serve as precursor molecules for the synthesis of apocarotenoids, including aroma and scent, phytohormones and other signaling molecules. Dietary carotenoids are vital to human health as a source of provitamin A and antioxidants. Hence, the enormous interest in carotenoids of crop plants. Over the past three decades, the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway has been mainly deciphered due to the characterization of natural and induced mutations that impair this process. Over the year, numerous mutations have been studied in dozens of plant species. Their phenotypes have significantly expanded our understanding of the biochemical and molecular processes underlying carotenoid accumulation in crops. Several of them were employed in the breeding of crops with higher nutritional value. This compendium of all known random and targeted mutants available in the carotenoid metabolic pathway in plants provides a valuable resource for future research on carotenoid biosynthesis in plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Hirschberg
- Department of Genetics, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Taparia Y, Dolui AK, Boussiba S, Khozin-Goldberg I. Multiplexed Genome Editing via an RNA Polymerase II Promoter-Driven sgRNA Array in the Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum: Insights Into the Role of StLDP. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 12:784780. [PMID: 35058949 PMCID: PMC8763850 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.784780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing has been demonstrated in the model diatom P. tricornutum, yet the currently available genetic tools do not combine the various advantageous features into a single, easy-to-assemble, modular construct that would allow the multiplexed targeting and creation of marker-free genome-edited lines. In this report, we describe the construction of the first modular two-component transcriptional unit system expressing SpCas9 from a diatom episome, assembled using the Universal Loop plasmid kit for Golden Gate assembly. We compared the editing efficiency of two constructs with orthogonal promoter-terminator combinations targeting the StLDP gene, encoding the major lipid droplet protein of P. tricornutum. Multiplexed targeting of the StLDP gene was confirmed via PCR screening, and lines with homozygous deletions were isolated from primary exconjugants. An editing efficiency ranging from 6.7 to 13.8% was observed in the better performing construct. Selected gene-edited lines displayed growth impairment, altered morphology, and the formation of lipid droplets during nutrient-replete growth. Under nitrogen deprivation, oversized lipid droplets were observed; the recovery of cell proliferation and degradation of lipid droplets were impaired after nitrogen replenishment. The results are consistent with the key role played by StLDP in the regulation of lipid droplet size and lipid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Inna Khozin-Goldberg
- Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Sede Boqer, Israel
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Zhang Y, Ye Y, Bai F, Liu J. The oleaginous astaxanthin-producing alga Chromochloris zofingiensis: potential from production to an emerging model for studying lipid metabolism and carotenogenesis. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2021; 14:119. [PMID: 33992124 PMCID: PMC8126118 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-021-01969-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The algal lipids-based biodiesel, albeit having advantages over plant oils, still remains high in the production cost. Co-production of value-added products with lipids has the potential to add benefits and is thus believed to be a promising strategy to improve the production economics of algal biodiesel. Chromochloris zofingiensis, a unicellular green alga, has been considered as a promising feedstock for biodiesel production because of its robust growth and ability of accumulating high levels of triacylglycerol under multiple trophic conditions. This alga is also able to synthesize high-value keto-carotenoids and has been cited as a candidate producer of astaxanthin, the strongest antioxidant found in nature. The concurrent accumulation of triacylglycerol and astaxanthin enables C. zofingiensis an ideal cell factory for integrated production of the two compounds and has potential to improve algae-based production economics. Furthermore, with the advent of chromosome-level whole genome sequence and genetic tools, C. zofingiensis becomes an emerging model for studying lipid metabolism and carotenogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the production of triacylglycerol and astaxanthin by C. zofingiensis. We also update our understanding in the distinctive molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism and carotenogenesis, with an emphasis on triacylglycerol and astaxanthin biosynthesis and crosstalk between the two pathways. Furthermore, strategies for trait improvements are discussed regarding triacylglycerol and astaxanthin synthesis in C. zofingiensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology and Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Ying Ye
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology and Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Fan Bai
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology and Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Laboratory for Algae Biotechnology and Innovation, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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Kadono T, Tomaru Y, Suzuki K, Yamada K, Adachi M. The possibility of using marine diatom-infecting viral promoters for the engineering of marine diatoms. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 296:110475. [PMID: 32540005 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine diatoms constitute a major group of unicellular photosynthetic eukaryotes. Diatoms are widely applicable for both basic studies and applied studies. Molecular tools and techniques have been developed for diatom research. Among these tools, several endogenous gene promoters (e.g., the fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding protein gene promoter) have become available for expressing transgenes in diatoms. Gene promoters that drive transgene expression at a high level are very important for the metabolic engineering of diatoms. Various marine diatom-infecting viruses (DIVs), including both DNA viruses and RNA viruses, have recently been isolated, and their genome sequences have been characterized. Promoters from viruses that infect plants and mammals are widely used as constitutive promoters to achieve high expression of transgenes. Thus, we recently investigated the activity of promoters derived from marine DIVs in the marine diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum. We discuss novel viral promoters that will be useful for the future metabolic engineering of diatoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kadono
- Laboratory of Aquatic Environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, Otsu-200, Monobe, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8502, Japan
| | - Yuji Tomaru
- National Research Institute of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 2-17-5 Maruishi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, 739-0452, Japan
| | - Kengo Suzuki
- euglena Co., Ltd., G-BASE Tamachi 2nd and 3rd Floor 5-29-11 Shiba Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0014, Japan
| | - Koji Yamada
- euglena Co., Ltd., G-BASE Tamachi 2nd and 3rd Floor 5-29-11 Shiba Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0014, Japan
| | - Masao Adachi
- Laboratory of Aquatic Environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, Otsu-200, Monobe, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8502, Japan.
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