1
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Li X, Zhang Y, Wen X, Pan J. Utilizing codon degeneracy in the design of donor DNA for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to streamline the screening process for single amino acid mutations. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 119:2133-2143. [PMID: 38963727 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a unicellular green alga, has been widely used as a model organism for studies of algal, plant and ciliary biology. The generation of targeted amino acid mutations is often necessary, and this can be achieved using CRISPR/Cas9 induced homology-directed repair to install genomic modifications from exogenous donor DNA. Due to the low gene editing efficiency, the technical challenge lies in identifying the mutant cells. Direct sequencing is not practical, and pre-screening is required. Here, we report a strategy for generating and screening for amino acid point mutations using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. The strategy is based on designing donor DNA using codon degeneracy, which enables the design of specific primers to facilitate mutant screening by PCR. An in vitro assembled RNP complex, along with a dsDNA donor and an antibiotic resistance marker, was electroporated into wild-type cells, followed by PCR screening. To demonstrate this principle, we have generated the E102K mutation in centrin and the K40R mutation in α-tubulin. The editing efficiencies at the target sites for Centrin, TUA1, TUA2 were 4, 24 and 8% respectively, based on PCR screening. More than 80% of the mutants with the expected size of PCR products were precisely edited, as revealed by DNA sequencing. Subsequently, the precision-edited mutants were biochemically verified. The introduction of codon degeneracy did not affect the gene expression of centrin and α-tubulins. Thus, this approach can be used to facilitate the identification of point mutations, especially in genes with low editing rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuecheng Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yongli Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xin Wen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Junmin Pan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266000, China
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2
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Wolfram M, Greif A, Baidukova O, Voll H, Tauber S, Lindacher J, Hegemann P, Kreimer G. Insights into degradation and targeting of the photoreceptor channelrhodopsin-1. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024. [PMID: 38935876 DOI: 10.1111/pce.15017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
In Chlamydomonas, the directly light-gated, plasma membrane-localized cation channels channelrhodopsins ChR1 and ChR2 are the primary photoreceptors for phototaxis. Their targeting and abundance is essential for optimal movement responses. However, our knowledge how Chlamydomonas achieves this is still at its infancy. Here we show that ChR1 internalization occurs via light-stimulated endocytosis. Prior or during endocytosis ChR1 is modified and forms high molecular mass complexes. These are the solely detectable ChR1 forms in extracellular vesicles and their abundance therein dynamically changes upon illumination. The ChR1-containing extracellular vesicles are secreted via the plasma membrane and/or the ciliary base. In line with this, ciliogenesis mutants exhibit increased ChR1 degradation rates. Further, we establish involvement of the cysteine protease CEP1, a member of the papain-type C1A subfamily. ΔCEP1-knockout strains lack light-induced ChR1 degradation, whereas ChR2 degradation was unaffected. Low light stimulates CEP1 expression, which is regulated via phototropin, a SPA1 E3 ubiquitin ligase and cyclic AMP. Further, mutant and inhibitor analyses revealed involvement of the small GTPase ARL11 and SUMOylation in ChR1 targeting to the eyespot and cilia. Our study thus defines the degradation pathway of this central photoreceptor of Chlamydomonas and identifies novel elements involved in its homoeostasis and targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Wolfram
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Arne Greif
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Olga Baidukova
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hildegard Voll
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Tauber
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Jana Lindacher
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Kreimer
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
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3
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Kneip JS, Kniepkamp N, Jang J, Mortaro MG, Jin E, Kruse O, Baier T. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockout of the Lycopene ε-Cyclase for Efficient Astaxanthin Production in the Green Microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1393. [PMID: 38794462 PMCID: PMC11125023 DOI: 10.3390/plants13101393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Carotenoids are valuable pigments naturally occurring in all photosynthetic plants and microalgae as well as in selected fungi, bacteria, and archaea. Green microalgae developed a complex carotenoid profile suitable for efficient light harvesting and light protection and harbor great capacity for carotenoid production through the substantial power of the endogenous 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway. Previous works established successful genome editing and induced significant changes in the cellular carotenoid content in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This study employs a tailored carotenoid pathway for engineered bioproduction of the valuable ketocarotenoid astaxanthin. Functional knockout of lycopene ε-cyclase (LCYE) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)-based integration of donor DNA at the target site inhibit the accumulation of α-carotene and consequently lutein and loroxanthin, abundant carotenoids in C. reinhardtii without changes in cellular fitness. PCR-based screening indicated that 4 of 96 regenerated candidate lines carried (partial) integrations of donor DNA and increased ß-carotene as well as derived carotenoid contents. Iterative overexpression of CrBKT, PacrtB, and CrCHYB resulted in a 2.3-fold increase in astaxanthin accumulation in mutant ΔLCYE#3 (1.8 mg/L) compared to the parental strain UVM4, which demonstrates the potential of genome editing for the design of a green cell factory for astaxanthin bioproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Sebastian Kneip
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Niklas Kniepkamp
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Junhwan Jang
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Maria Grazia Mortaro
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - EonSeon Jin
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Olaf Kruse
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Baier
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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4
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Olsen ML, Olsen K, Jensen PE. Consumer acceptance of microalgae as a novel food - Where are we now? And how to get further. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2024; 176:e14337. [PMID: 38716544 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Microalgae provide a potential new food resource for sustainable human nutrition. Many microalgae species can produce a high content of total protein with a balanced composition of essential amino acids, healthy oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, fibers, and vitamins. These components can be made available via unprocessed microalgae or refined as individual ingredients. In either case, if added to foods, microalgae may affect taste, smell, texture, and appearance. This review focuses on how consumer acceptance of new foods - such as microalgae - can be accessed in the world of sensory science by bringing together examples from recent consumer surveys. The main aim is to obtain an overview of the attitude towards microalgae as a food ingredient in Europe. The overarching finding suggests that European consumers generally find microalgae acceptable as ingredients in food products. However, there is a prevailing preference for keeping inclusion levels low, primarily attributed to the vivid green color that algae impart to food items upon addition. Additionally, consumers tend to favor the taste of freshwater algae over marine species, often finding the latter's pronounced fishy flavor less appealing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malene Lihme Olsen
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Karsten Olsen
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Poul Erik Jensen
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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5
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Sandor R, Wagh SG, Kelterborn S, Großkinsky DK, Novak O, Olsen N, Paul B, Petřík I, Wu S, Hegemann P, Strnad M, Červený J, Roitsch T. Cytokinin-deficient Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CRISPR-Cas9 mutants show reduced ability to prime resistance of tobacco against bacterial infection. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2024; 176:e14311. [PMID: 38715208 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Although microalgae have only recently been recognized as part of the plant and soil microbiome, their application as biofertilizers has a tradition in sustainable crop production. Under consideration of their ability to produce the plant growth-stimulating hormone cytokinin (CK), known to also induce pathogen resistance, we have assessed the biocontrol ability of CK-producing microalgae. All pro- and eukaryotic CK-producing microalgae tested were able to enhance the tolerance of tobacco against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci (PsT) infection. Since Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cre) proved to be the most efficient, we functionally characterized its biocontrol ability. We employed the CRISPR-Cas9 system to generate the first knockouts of CK biosynthetic genes in microalgae. Specifically, we targeted Cre Lonely Guy (LOG) and isopentenyltransferase (IPT) genes, the key genes of CK biosynthesis. While Cre wild-type exhibits a strong protection, the CK-deficient mutants have a reduced ability to induce plant defence. The degree of protection correlates with the CK levels, with the IPT mutants showing less protection than the LOG mutants. Gene expression analyses showed that Cre strongly stimulates tobacco resistance through defence gene priming. This study functionally verifies that Cre primes defence responses with CK, which contributes to the robustness of the effect. This work contributes to elucidate microalgae-mediated plant defence priming and identifies the role of CKs. In addition, these results underscore the potential of CK-producing microalgae as biologicals in agriculture by combining biofertilizer and biocontrol ability for sustainable and environment-friendly crop management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Sandor
- Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sopan Ganpatrao Wagh
- Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simon Kelterborn
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute for translational physiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik K Großkinsky
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Center for Health and Bioresources, Bioresources Unit, Tulln a. d. Donau, Austria
| | - Ondrej Novak
- Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Niels Olsen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Bichitra Paul
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Ivan Petřík
- Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Shujie Wu
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Miroslav Strnad
- Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Červený
- Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas Roitsch
- Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
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6
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Nievergelt AP, Diener DR, Bogdanova A, Brown T, Pigino G. Protocol for precision editing of endogenous Chlamydomonas reinhardtii genes with CRISPR-Cas. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102774. [PMID: 38096061 PMCID: PMC10762519 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas genome engineering in the unicellular green algal model Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has until recently suffered from low integration efficiencies despite traditional genetics being well established. Here, we present a protocol for efficient homology-directed knockin mutagenesis in all commonly used strains of Chlamydomonas. We describe steps for scarless integration of fusion tags and sequence modifications of almost all proteins without the need for a preceding mutant line. We further empower this genetic-editing approach by efficient crossing and highly robust screening protocols. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Nievergelt et al. (2023).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Pascal Nievergelt
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Human Technopole, V.le Rita Levi-Montalcini, 1, 20017 Milan, Italy.
| | - Dennis Ray Diener
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Aliona Bogdanova
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Brown
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany; DRESDEN-concept Genome Center (DcGC), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gaia Pigino
- Human Technopole, V.le Rita Levi-Montalcini, 1, 20017 Milan, Italy.
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7
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Strenkert D, Schmollinger S, Paruthiyil S, Brown BC, Green S, Shafer CM, Salomé P, Nelson H, Blaby-Haas CE, Moseley JL, Merchant SS. Distinct function of Chlamydomonas CTRA-CTR transporters in Cu assimilation and intracellular mobilization. Metallomics 2024; 16:mfae013. [PMID: 38439674 PMCID: PMC10959442 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfae013] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Successful acclimation to copper (Cu) deficiency involves a fine balance between Cu import and export. In the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Cu import is dependent on a transcription factor, Copper Response Regulator 1 (CRR1), responsible for activating genes in Cu-deficient cells. Among CRR1 target genes are two Cu transporters belonging to the CTR/COPT gene family (CTR1 and CTR2) and a related soluble protein (CTR3). The ancestor of these green algal proteins was likely acquired from an ancient chytrid and contained conserved cysteine-rich domains (named the CTR-associated domains, CTRA) that are predicted to be involved in Cu acquisition. We show by reverse genetics that Chlamydomonas CTR1 and CTR2 are canonical Cu importers albeit with distinct affinities, while loss of CTR3 did not result in an observable phenotype under the conditions tested. Mutation of CTR1, but not CTR2, recapitulates the poor growth of crr1 in Cu-deficient medium, consistent with a dominant role for CTR1 in high-affinity Cu(I) uptake. On the other hand, the overaccumulation of Cu(I) (20 times the quota) in zinc (Zn) deficiency depends on CRR1 and both CTR1 and CTR2. CRR1-dependent activation of CTR gene expression needed for Cu over-accumulation can be bypassed by the provision of excess Cu in the growth medium. Over-accumulated Cu is sequestered into the acidocalcisome but can become remobilized by restoring Zn nutrition. This mobilization is also CRR1-dependent, and requires activation of CTR2 expression, again distinguishing CTR2 from CTR1 and consistent with the lower substrate affinity of CTR2. ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY Regulation of Cu uptake and sequestration by members of the CTR family of proteins in Chlamydomonas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Strenkert
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Stefan Schmollinger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Srinand Paruthiyil
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Bonnie C Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sydnee Green
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Catherine M Shafer
- Molecular Toxicology Inter-departmental Ph.D. program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Patrice Salomé
- Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hosea Nelson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Crysten E Blaby-Haas
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Moseley
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sabeeha S Merchant
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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8
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De Saeger J, Coulembier Vandelannoote E, Lee H, Park J, Blomme J. Genome editing in macroalgae: advances and challenges. Front Genome Ed 2024; 6:1380682. [PMID: 38516199 PMCID: PMC10955705 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1380682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This minireview examines the current state and challenges of genome editing in macroalgae. Despite the ecological and economic significance of this group of organisms, genome editing has seen limited applications. While CRISPR functionality has been established in two brown (Ectocarpus species 7 and Saccharina japonica) and one green seaweed (Ulva prolifera), these studies are limited to proof-of-concept demonstrations. All studies also (co)-targeted ADENINE PHOSPHORIBOSYL TRANSFERASE to enrich for mutants, due to the relatively low editing efficiencies. To advance the field, there should be a focus on advancing auxiliary technologies, particularly stable transformation, so that novel editing reagents can be screened for their efficiency. More work is also needed on understanding DNA repair in these organisms, as this is tightly linked with the editing outcomes. Developing efficient genome editing tools for macroalgae will unlock the ability to characterize their genes, which is largely uncharted terrain. Moreover, given their economic importance, genome editing will also impact breeding campaigns to develop strains that have better yields, produce more commercially valuable compounds, and show improved resilience to the impacts of global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas De Saeger
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, Yeonsu-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Emma Coulembier Vandelannoote
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hojun Lee
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, Yeonsu-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihae Park
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, Yeonsu-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonas Blomme
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
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9
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Rredhi A, Petersen J, Wagner V, Vuong T, Li W, Li W, Schrader L, Mittag M. The UV-A Receptor CRY-DASH1 Up- and Downregulates Proteins Involved in Different Plastidial Pathways. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168271. [PMID: 37699454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168271] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Algae encode up to five different types of cryptochrome photoreceptors. So far, relatively little is known about the biological functions of the DASH (Drosophila, Arabidopsis, Synechocystis and Homo)-type cryptochromes. The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii encodes two of them. CRY-DASH1 also called DCRY1 has its maximal absorption peak in the UV-A range. It is localized in the chloroplast and plays an important role in balancing the photosynthetic machinery. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of chloroplast proteins from wild type and a knockout mutant of CRY-DASH1 named cry-dash1mut, using label-free quantitative proteomics as well as immunoblotting. Our results show upregulation of enzymes involved in specific pathways in the mutant including key enzymes of chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis consistent with increased levels of photosynthetic pigments in cry-dash1mut. There is also an increase in certain redox as well as photosystem I and II proteins, including D1. Strikingly, CRY-DASH1 is coregulated in a D1 deletion mutant, where its amount is increased. In contrast, key proteins of the central carbon metabolism, including glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, dark fermentation and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway are downregulated in cry-dash1mut. Similarly, enzymes of histidine biosynthesis are downregulated in cry-dash1mut leading to a reduction in the amount of free histidine. Yet, transcripts encoding for several of these proteins are at a similar level in the wild type and cry-dash1mut or even opposite. We show that CRY-DASH1 can bind to RNA, taking the psbA RNA encoding D1 as target. These data suggest that CRY-DASH1 regulates plastidial metabolic pathways at the posttranscriptional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anxhela Rredhi
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jan Petersen
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany. https://twitter.com/1anPetersen
| | - Volker Wagner
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Trang Vuong
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany. https://twitter.com/trangha593
| | - Wenshuang Li
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Wei Li
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Laura Schrader
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Maria Mittag
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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10
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Siau JW, Siddiqui AA, Lau SY, Kannan S, Peter S, Zeng Y, Verma C, Droge P, Ghadessy JF. Expanding the DNA editing toolbox: Novel lambda integrase variants targeting microalgal and human genome sequences. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292479. [PMID: 38349923 PMCID: PMC10863862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinase enzymes are extremely efficient at integrating very large DNA fragments into target genomes. However, intrinsic sequence specificities curtail their use to DNA sequences with sufficient homology to endogenous target motifs. Extensive engineering is therefore required to broaden applicability and robustness. Here, we describe the directed evolution of novel lambda integrase variants capable of editing exogenous target sequences identified in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the algae Nannochloropsis oceanica. These microorganisms hold great promise as conduits for green biomanufacturing and carbon sequestration. The evolved enzyme variants show >1000-fold switch in specificity towards the non-natural target sites when assayed in vitro. A single-copy target motif in the human genome with homology to the Nannochloropsis oceanica site can also be efficiently targeted using an engineered integrase, both in vitro and in human cells. The developed integrase variants represent useful additions to the DNA editing toolbox, with particular application for targeted genomic insertion of large DNA cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wei Siau
- Protein and Peptide Engineering Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Asim Azhar Siddiqui
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sze Yi Lau
- Protein and Peptide Engineering Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Sabrina Peter
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yingying Zeng
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chandra Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter Droge
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- LambdaGen Pte. Ltd., Singapore, Singapore
| | - John F. Ghadessy
- Protein and Peptide Engineering Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Zhang N, Venn B, Bailey CE, Xia M, Mattoon EM, Mühlhaus T, Zhang R. Moderate high temperature is beneficial or detrimental depending on carbon availability in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:979-1003. [PMID: 37877811 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
High temperatures impair plant growth and reduce agricultural yields, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an excellent model to study heat responses in photosynthetic cells due to its fast growth rate, many similarities in cellular processes to land plants, simple and sequenced genome, and ample genetic and genomics resources. Chlamydomonas grows in light by photosynthesis and with externally supplied acetate as an organic carbon source. Understanding how organic carbon sources affect heat responses is important for the algal industry but remains understudied. We cultivated wild-type Chlamydomonas under highly controlled conditions in photobioreactors at 25 °C (control), 35 °C (moderate high temperature), or 40 °C (acute high temperature) with or without constant acetate supply for 1 or 4 day. Treatment at 35 °C increased algal growth with constant acetate supply but reduced algal growth without sufficient acetate. The overlooked and dynamic effects of 35 °C could be explained by induced acetate uptake and metabolism. Heat treatment at 40 °C for more than 2 day was lethal to algal cultures with or without constant acetate supply. Our findings provide insights to understand algal heat responses and help improve thermotolerance in photosynthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Zhang
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Benedikt Venn
- Computational Systems Biology, RPTU Kaiserslautern, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | | | - Ming Xia
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Erin M Mattoon
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
- Plant and Microbial Biosciences Program, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Timo Mühlhaus
- Computational Systems Biology, RPTU Kaiserslautern, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Ru Zhang
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
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12
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Gupta A, Kang K, Pathania R, Saxton L, Saucedo B, Malik A, Torres-Tiji Y, Diaz CJ, Dutra Molino JV, Mayfield SP. Harnessing genetic engineering to drive economic bioproduct production in algae. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1350722. [PMID: 38347913 PMCID: PMC10859422 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1350722] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Our reliance on agriculture for sustenance, healthcare, and resources has been essential since the dawn of civilization. However, traditional agricultural practices are no longer adequate to meet the demands of a burgeoning population amidst climate-driven agricultural challenges. Microalgae emerge as a beacon of hope, offering a sustainable and renewable source of food, animal feed, and energy. Their rapid growth rates, adaptability to non-arable land and non-potable water, and diverse bioproduct range, encompassing biofuels and nutraceuticals, position them as a cornerstone of future resource management. Furthermore, microalgae's ability to capture carbon aligns with environmental conservation goals. While microalgae offers significant benefits, obstacles in cost-effective biomass production persist, which curtails broader application. This review examines microalgae compared to other host platforms, highlighting current innovative approaches aimed at overcoming existing barriers. These approaches include a range of techniques, from gene editing, synthetic promoters, and mutagenesis to selective breeding and metabolic engineering through transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Gupta
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kalisa Kang
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ruchi Pathania
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Lisa Saxton
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Barbara Saucedo
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ashleyn Malik
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Yasin Torres-Tiji
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Crisandra J. Diaz
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - João Vitor Dutra Molino
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Stephen P. Mayfield
- Mayfield Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- California Center for Algae Biotechnology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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13
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Wang M, Ye X, Bi H, Shen Z. Microalgae biofuels: illuminating the path to a sustainable future amidst challenges and opportunities. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2024; 17:10. [PMID: 38254224 PMCID: PMC10804497 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02461-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The development of microalgal biofuels is of significant importance in advancing the energy transition, alleviating food pressure, preserving the natural environment, and addressing climate change. Numerous countries and regions across the globe have conducted extensive research and strategic planning on microalgal bioenergy, investing significant funds and manpower into this field. However, the microalgae biofuel industry has faced a downturn due to the constraints of high costs. In the past decade, with the development of new strains, technologies, and equipment, the feasibility of large-scale production of microalgae biofuel should be re-evaluated. Here, we have gathered research results from the past decade regarding microalgae biofuel production, providing insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by this industry from the perspectives of microalgae selection, modification, and cultivation. In this review, we suggest that highly adaptable microalgae are the preferred choice for large-scale biofuel production, especially strains that can utilize high concentrations of inorganic carbon sources and possess stress resistance. The use of omics technologies and genetic editing has greatly enhanced lipid accumulation in microalgae. However, the associated risks have constrained the feasibility of large-scale outdoor cultivation. Therefore, the relatively controllable cultivation method of photobioreactors (PBRs) has made it the mainstream approach for microalgae biofuel production. Moreover, adjusting the performance and parameters of PBRs can also enhance lipid accumulation in microalgae. In the future, given the relentless escalation in demand for sustainable energy sources, microalgae biofuels should be deemed a pivotal constituent of national energy planning, particularly in the case of China. The advancement of synthetic biology helps reduce the risks associated with genetically modified (GM) microalgae and enhances the economic viability of their biofuel production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Institute of Agricultural Remote Sensing and Information, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Xiaoxue Ye
- Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Hongwen Bi
- Institute of Agricultural Remote Sensing and Information, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhongbao Shen
- Grass and Science Institute of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150086, China.
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14
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Hwang J, Yanagisawa H, Davis KC, Hunter EL, Fox LA, Jimenez AR, Goodwin RE, Gordon SA, Stuart CDE, Bower R, Porter ME, Dutcher SK, Sale WS, Lechtreck KF, Alford LM. Assembly of FAP93 at the proximal axoneme in Chlamydomonas cilia. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38224153 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
To identify proteins specific to the proximal ciliary axoneme, we used iTRAQ to compare short (~2 μm) and full-length (~11 μm) axonemes of Chlamydomonas. Known compoents of the proximal axoneme such as minor dynein heavy chains and LF5 kinase as well as the ciliary tip proteins FAP256 (CEP104) and EB1 were enriched in short axonemes whereas proteins present along the length of the axoneme were of similar abundance in both samples. The iTRAQ analysis revealed that FAP93, a protein of unknown function, and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) are enriched in the short axonemes. Consistently, immunoblots show enrichment of FAP93 and PP2A in short axonemes and immunofluorescence confirms the localization of FAP93 and enrichment of PP2A at the proximal axoneme. Ciliary regeneration reveals that FAP93 assembles continuously but more slowly than other axonemal structures and terminates at 1.03 μm in steady-state axonemes. The length of FAP93 assembly correlates with ciliary length, demonstrating ciliary length-dependent assembly of FAP93. Dikaryon rescue experiments show that FAP93 can assemble independently of IFT transport. In addition, FRAP analysis of GFP-tagged FAP93 demonstrates that FAP93 is stably anchored in axoneme. FAP93 may function as a scaffold for assembly of other specific proteins at the proximal axoneme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyeon Hwang
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Keira C Davis
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- College of Arts & Sciences, Clayton State University, Morrow, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily L Hunter
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Science Communication Group, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Laura A Fox
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ariana R Jimenez
- Division of Natural Sciences, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Reagan E Goodwin
- Division of Natural Sciences, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sarah A Gordon
- Division of Natural Sciences, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Raqual Bower
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mary E Porter
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Susan K Dutcher
- Department of Genetics, Washington University St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Winfield S Sale
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karl F Lechtreck
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Lea M Alford
- Division of Natural Sciences, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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15
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Poirier M, Osmers P, Wilkins K, Morgan-Kiss RM, Cvetkovska M. Aberrant light sensing and motility in the green alga Chlamydomonas priscuii from the ice-covered Antarctic Lake Bonney. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2023; 18:2184588. [PMID: 38126947 PMCID: PMC10012900 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2023.2184588] [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: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The Antarctic green alga Chlamydomonas priscuii is an obligate psychrophile and an emerging model for photosynthetic adaptation to extreme conditions. Endemic to the ice-covered Lake Bonney, this alga thrives at highly unusual light conditions characterized by very low light irradiance (<15 μmol m-2 s-1), a narrow wavelength spectrum enriched in blue light, and an extreme photoperiod. Genome sequencing of C. priscuii exposed an unusually large genome, with hundreds of highly similar gene duplicates and expanded gene families, some of which could be aiding its survival in extreme conditions. In contrast to the described expansion in the genetic repertoire in C. priscuii, here we suggest that the gene family encoding for photoreceptors is reduced when compared to related green algae. This alga also possesses a very small eyespot and exhibits an aberrant phototactic response, compared to the model Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We also investigated the genome and behavior of the closely related psychrophilic alga Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-MDV, that is found throughout the photic zone of Lake Bonney and is naturally exposed to higher light levels. Our analyses revealed a photoreceptor gene family and a robust phototactic response similar to those in the model Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. These results suggest that the aberrant phototactic response in C. priscuii is a result of life under extreme shading rather than a common feature of all psychrophilic algae. We discuss the implications of these results on the evolution and survival of shade adapted polar algae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pomona Osmers
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, OH, Canada
| | - Kieran Wilkins
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, OH, Canada
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16
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Chaux F, Jarrige D, Rodrigues-Azevedo M, Bujaldon S, Caspari OD, Ozawa SI, Drapier D, Vallon O, Choquet Y, de Vitry C. Chloroplast ATP synthase biogenesis requires peripheral stalk subunits AtpF and ATPG and stabilization of atpE mRNA by OPR protein MDE1. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:1582-1599. [PMID: 37824282 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Chloroplast ATP synthase contains subunits of plastid and nuclear genetic origin. To investigate the coordinated biogenesis of this complex, we isolated novel ATP synthase mutants in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by screening for high light sensitivity. We report here the characterization of mutants affecting the two peripheral stalk subunits b and b', encoded respectively by the atpF and ATPG genes, and of three independent mutants which identify the nuclear factor MDE1, required to stabilize the chloroplast-encoded atpE mRNA. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a transposon insertion in the 3'UTR of ATPG while mass spectrometry shows a small accumulation of functional ATP synthase in this knock-down ATPG mutant. In contrast, knock-out ATPG mutants, obtained by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, fully prevent ATP synthase function and accumulation, as also observed in an atpF frame-shift mutant. Crossing ATP synthase mutants with the ftsh1-1 mutant of the major thylakoid protease identifies AtpH as an FTSH substrate, and shows that FTSH significantly contributes to the concerted accumulation of ATP synthase subunits. In mde1 mutants, the absence of atpE transcript fully prevents ATP synthase biogenesis and photosynthesis. Using chimeric atpE genes to rescue atpE transcript accumulation, we demonstrate that MDE1, a novel octotricopeptide repeat (OPR) protein, genetically targets the atpE 5'UTR. In the perspective of the primary endosymbiosis (~1.5 Gy), the recruitment of MDE1 to its atpE target exemplifies a nucleus/chloroplast interplay that evolved rather recently, in the ancestor of the CS clade of Chlorophyceae, ~300 My ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Chaux
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Domitille Jarrige
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Marcio Rodrigues-Azevedo
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Bujaldon
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Oliver D Caspari
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Shin-Ichiro Ozawa
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Drapier
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Vallon
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Yves Choquet
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Catherine de Vitry
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
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17
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Zinzius K, Marchetti GM, Fischer R, Milrad Y, Oltmanns A, Kelterborn S, Yacoby I, Hegemann P, Scholz M, Hippler M. Calredoxin regulates the chloroplast NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:2122-2140. [PMID: 37474113 PMCID: PMC10602609 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Calredoxin (CRX) is a calcium (Ca2+)-dependent thioredoxin (TRX) in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) with a largely unclear physiological role. We elucidated the CRX functionality by performing in-depth quantitative proteomics of wild-type cells compared with a crx insertional mutant (IMcrx), two CRISPR/Cas9 KO mutants, and CRX rescues. These analyses revealed that the chloroplast NADPH-dependent TRX reductase (NTRC) is co-regulated with CRX. Electron transfer measurements revealed that CRX inhibits NADPH-dependent reduction of oxidized chloroplast 2-Cys peroxiredoxin (PRX1) via NTRC and that the function of the NADPH-NTRC complex is under strict control of CRX. Via non-reducing SDS-PAGE assays and mass spectrometry, our data also demonstrated that PRX1 is more oxidized under high light (HL) conditions in the absence of CRX. The redox tuning of PRX1 and control of the NADPH-NTRC complex via CRX interconnect redox control with active photosynthetic electron transport and metabolism, as well as Ca2+ signaling. In this way, an economic use of NADPH for PRX1 reduction is ensured. The finding that the absence of CRX under HL conditions severely inhibited light-driven CO2 fixation underpins the importance of CRX for redox tuning, as well as for efficient photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Zinzius
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Giulia Maria Marchetti
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Ronja Fischer
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Yuval Milrad
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Anne Oltmanns
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Simon Kelterborn
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt University of Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Iftach Yacoby
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt University of Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Scholz
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Hippler
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, 48143 Münster, Germany
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0046, Japan
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18
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Strenkert D, Schmollinger S, Paruthiyil S, Brown BC, Green S, Shafer CM, Salomé P, Nelson H, Blaby-Haas CE, Moseley JL, Merchant SS. Distinct function of Chlamydomonas CTRA-CTR transporters in Cu assimilation and intracellular mobilization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.19.563170. [PMID: 37905083 PMCID: PMC10614975 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.19.563170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Successful acclimation to copper (Cu) deficiency involves a fine balance between Cu import and export. In the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , Cu import is dependent on C opper R esponse R egulator 1 (CRR1), the master regulator of Cu homeostasis. Among CRR1 target genes are two Cu transporters belonging to the CTR/COPT gene family ( CTR1 and CTR2 ) and a related soluble cysteine-rich protein (CTR3). The ancestor of these green algal proteins was likely acquired from an ancient chytrid and contained conserved cysteine-rich domains (named the CTR-associated domains, CTRA) that are predicted to be involved in Cu acquisition. We show by reverse genetics that Chlamydomonas CTR1 and CTR2 are canonical Cu importers albeit with distinct affinities, while loss of CTR3 did not result in an observable phenotype under the conditions tested. Mutation of CTR1 , but not CTR2 , recapitulate the poor growth of crr1 in Cu-deficient medium, consistent with a dominant role for CTR1 in high affinity Cu(I) uptake. Notably, the over-accumulation of Cu(I) in Zinc (Zn)-deficiency (20 times the quota) depends on CRR1 and both CTR1 and CTR2. CRR1-dependent activation of CTR gene expression needed for Cu over-accumulation can be bypassed by the provision of excess Cu in the growth medium. Over-accumulated Cu is sequestered into the acidocalcisome but can become remobilized by restoring Zn nutrition. This mobilization is also CRR1-dependent, and requires activation of CTR2 expression, again distinguishing CTR2 from CTR1 and is consistent with the lower substrate affinity of CTR2.
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19
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Pivato M, Grenzi M, Costa A, Ballottari M. Compartment-specific Ca 2+ imaging in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii reveals high light-induced chloroplast Ca 2+ signatures. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:258-271. [PMID: 37488718 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of intracellular Ca2+ signaling in the perception and response mechanisms to light in unicellular microalgae, the genetically encoded ratiometric Ca2+ indicator Yellow Cameleon (YC3.6) was expressed in the model organism for green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, targeted to cytosol, chloroplast, and mitochondria. Through in vivo single-cell confocal microscopy imaging, light-induced Ca2+ signaling was investigated in different conditions and different genotypes, including the photoreceptors mutants phot and acry. A genetically encoded H2 O2 sensor was also adopted to investigate the possible role of H2 O2 formation in light-dependent Ca2+ signaling. Light-dependent Ca2+ response was observed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells only in the chloroplast as an organelle-autonomous response, influenced by light intensity and photosynthetic electron transport. The absence of blue and red-light photoreceptor aCRY strongly reduced the light-dependent chloroplast Ca2+ response, while the absence of the blue photoreceptor PHOT had no significant effects. A correlation between high light-induced chloroplast H2 O2 gradients and Ca2+ transients was drawn, supported by H2 O2 -induced chloroplast Ca2+ transients in the dark. In conclusion, different triggers are involved in the light-induced chloroplast Ca2+ signaling as saturation of the photosynthetic electron transport, H2 O2 formation, and aCRY-dependent light perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Pivato
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Grenzi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alex Costa
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Matteo Ballottari
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
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20
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Govorunova EG, Sineshchekov OA. Channelrhodopsins: From Phototaxis to Optogenetics. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1555-1570. [PMID: 38105024 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923100115] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins stand out among other retinal proteins because of their capacity to generate passive ionic currents following photoactivation. Owing to that, channelrhodopsins are widely used in neuroscience and cardiology as instruments for optogenetic manipulation of the activity of excitable cells. Photocurrents generated by channelrhodopsins were first discovered in the cells of green algae in the 1970s. In this review we describe this discovery and discuss the current state of research in the field.
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21
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Gu X, Huang L, Lian J. Biomanufacturing of γ-linolenic acid-enriched galactosyldiacylglycerols: Challenges in microalgae and potential in oleaginous yeasts. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2023; 8:469-478. [PMID: 37692201 PMCID: PMC10485790 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2023.06.007] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
γ-Linolenic acid-enriched galactosyldiacylglycerols (GDGs-GLA), as the natural form of γ-linolenic acid in microalgae, have a range of functional activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergic properties. The low abundance of microalgae and the structural stereoselectivity complexity impede microalgae extraction or chemical synthesis, resulting in a lack of supply of GDGs-GLA with a growing demand. At present, there is a growing interest in engineering oleaginous yeasts for mass production of GDGs-GLA based on their ability to utilize a variety of hydrophobic substrates and a high metabolic flux toward fatty acid and lipid (triacylglycerol, TAG) production. Here, we first introduce the GDGs-GLA biosynthetic pathway in microalgae and challenges in the engineering of the native host. Subsequently, we describe in detail the applications of oleaginous yeasts with Yarrowia lipolytica as the representative for GDGs-GLA biosynthesis, including the development of synthetic biology parts, gene editing tools, and metabolic engineering of lipid biosynthesis. Finally, we discuss the development trend of GDGs-GLA biosynthesis in Y. lipolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosong Gu
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, China
| | - Jiazhang Lian
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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22
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Boisset ND, Favoino G, Meloni M, Jomat L, Cassier-Chauvat C, Zaffagnini M, Lemaire SD, Crozet P. Phosphoribulokinase abundance is not limiting the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1230723. [PMID: 37719215 PMCID: PMC10501310 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1230723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Improving photosynthetic efficiency in plants and microalgae is of utmost importance to support the growing world population and to enable the bioproduction of energy and chemicals. Limitations in photosynthetic light conversion efficiency can be directly attributed to kinetic bottlenecks within the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle (CBBC) responsible for carbon fixation. A better understanding of these bottlenecks in vivo is crucial to overcome these limiting factors through bio-engineering. The present study is focused on the analysis of phosphoribulokinase (PRK) in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We have characterized a PRK knock-out mutant strain and showed that in the absence of PRK, Chlamydomonas cannot grow photoautotrophically while functional complementation with a synthetic construct allowed restoration of photoautotrophy. Nevertheless, using standard genetic elements, the expression of PRK was limited to 40% of the reference level in complemented strains and could not restore normal growth in photoautotrophic conditions suggesting that the CBBC is limited. We were subsequently able to overcome this initial limitation by improving the design of the transcriptional unit expressing PRK using diverse combinations of DNA parts including PRK endogenous promoter and introns. This enabled us to obtain strains with PRK levels comparable to the reference strain and even overexpressing strains. A collection of strains with PRK levels between 16% and 250% of WT PRK levels was generated and characterized. Immunoblot and growth assays revealed that a PRK content of ≈86% is sufficient to fully restore photoautotrophic growth. This result suggests that PRK is present in moderate excess in Chlamydomonas. Consistently, the overexpression of PRK did not increase photosynthetic growth indicating that that the endogenous level of PRK in Chlamydomonas is not limiting the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle under optimal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas D. Boisset
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Parie-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7238, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8226, Paris, France
- Doctoral School of Plant Sciences, Université Paris-Saclay, Saint-Aubin, France
| | - Giusi Favoino
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Parie-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7238, Paris, France
| | - Maria Meloni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucile Jomat
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Parie-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7238, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Cassier-Chauvat
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), UMR 9198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Mirko Zaffagnini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stéphane D. Lemaire
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Parie-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7238, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8226, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Crozet
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Parie-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7238, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Eucaryotes, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8226, Paris, France
- Polytech-Sorbonne, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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23
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Nievergelt AP, Diener DR, Bogdanova A, Brown T, Pigino G. Efficient precision editing of endogenous Chlamydomonas reinhardtii genes with CRISPR-Cas. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100562. [PMID: 37671018 PMCID: PMC10475843 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100562] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas genome engineering in the unicellular green algal model Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has until now been primarily applied to targeted gene disruption, whereas scarless knockin transgenesis has generally been considered difficult in practice. We have developed an efficient homology-directed method for knockin mutagenesis in Chlamydomonas by delivering CRISPR-Cas ribonucleoproteins and a linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) donor into cells by electroporation. Our method allows scarless integration of fusion tags and sequence modifications of proteins without the need for a preceding mutant line. We also present methods for high-throughput crossing of transformants and a custom quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based high-throughput screening of mutants as well as meiotic progeny. We demonstrate how to use this pipeline to facilitate the generation of mutant lines without residual selectable markers by co-targeted insertion. Finally, we describe how insertional cassettes can be erroneously mutated during insertion and suggest strategies to select for lines that are modified as designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Pascal Nievergelt
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dennis Ray Diener
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Aliona Bogdanova
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Brown
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center (DcGC), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gaia Pigino
- Human Technopole, V.le Rita Levi-Montalcini, 1, 20017 Milan, Italy
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24
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Teh JT, Leitz V, Holzer VJC, Neusius D, Marino G, Meitzel T, García-Cerdán JG, Dent RM, Niyogi KK, Geigenberger P, Nickelsen J. NTRC regulates CP12 to activate Calvin-Benson cycle during cold acclimation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306338120. [PMID: 37549282 PMCID: PMC10433458 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306338120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase C (NTRC) is a chloroplast redox regulator in algae and plants. Here, we used site-specific mutation analyses of the thioredoxin domain active site of NTRC in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to show that NTRC mediates cold tolerance in a redox-dependent manner. By means of coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, a redox- and cold-dependent binding of the Calvin-Benson Cycle Protein 12 (CP12) to NTRC was identified. NTRC was subsequently demonstrated to directly reduce CP12 of C. reinhardtii as well as that of the vascular plant Arabidopsis thaliana in vitro. As a scaffold protein, CP12 joins the Calvin-Benson cycle enzymes phosphoribulokinase (PRK) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) to form an autoinhibitory supracomplex. Using size-exclusion chromatography, NTRC from both organisms was shown to control the integrity of this complex in vitro and thereby PRK and GAPDH activities in the cold. Thus, NTRC apparently reduces CP12, hence triggering the dissociation of the PRK/CP12/GAPDH complex in the cold. Like the ntrc::aphVIII mutant, CRISPR-based cp12::emx1 mutants also exhibited a redox-dependent cold phenotype. In addition, CP12 deletion resulted in robust decreases in both PRK and GAPDH protein levels implying a protein protection effect of CP12. Both CP12 functions are critical for preparing a repertoire of enzymes for rapid activation in response to environmental changes. This provides a crucial mechanism for cold acclimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tsong Teh
- Department of Molecular Plant Science, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Planegg82152, Germany
| | - Verena Leitz
- Department of Plant Metabolism, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Planegg82152, Germany
| | - Victoria J. C. Holzer
- Department of Molecular Plant Science, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Planegg82152, Germany
| | - Daniel Neusius
- Department of Molecular Plant Science, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Planegg82152, Germany
| | - Giada Marino
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Planegg82152, Germany
| | - Tobias Meitzel
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Gatersleben06466, Germany
| | - José G. García-Cerdán
- HHMI, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720-3102
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720-3102
| | - Rachel M. Dent
- HHMI, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720-3102
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720-3102
| | - Krishna K. Niyogi
- HHMI, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720-3102
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720-3102
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Peter Geigenberger
- Department of Plant Metabolism, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Planegg82152, Germany
| | - Jörg Nickelsen
- Department of Molecular Plant Science, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Planegg82152, Germany
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25
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Findinier J, Grossman AR. Chlamydomonas: Fast tracking from genomics. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2023; 59:644-652. [PMID: 37417760 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13356] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating biological processes has relied on the establishment of model organisms, many of which offer advantageous features such as rapid axenic growth, extensive knowledge of their physiological features and gene content, and the ease with which they can be genetically manipulated. The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been an exemplary model that has enabled many scientific breakthroughs over the decades, especially in the fields of photosynthesis, cilia function and biogenesis, and the acclimation of photosynthetic organisms to their environment. Here, we discuss recent molecular/technological advances that have been applied to C. reinhardtii and how they have further fostered its development as a "flagship" algal system. We also explore the future promise of this alga in leveraging advances in the fields of genomics, proteomics, imaging, and synthetic biology for addressing critical future biological issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Findinier
- The Carnegie Institution for Science, Biosphere Science and Engineering, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Arthur R Grossman
- The Carnegie Institution for Science, Biosphere Science and Engineering, Stanford, California, USA
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26
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Milito A, Aschern M, McQuillan JL, Yang JS. Challenges and advances towards the rational design of microalgal synthetic promoters in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:3833-3850. [PMID: 37025006 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae hold enormous potential to provide a safe and sustainable source of high-value compounds, acting as carbon-fixing biofactories that could help to mitigate rapidly progressing climate change. Bioengineering microalgal strains will be key to optimizing and modifying their metabolic outputs, and to render them competitive with established industrial biotechnology hosts, such as bacteria or yeast. To achieve this, precise and tuneable control over transgene expression will be essential, which would require the development and rational design of synthetic promoters as a key strategy. Among green microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii represents the reference species for bioengineering and synthetic biology; however, the repertoire of functional synthetic promoters for this species, and for microalgae generally, is limited in comparison to other commercial chassis, emphasizing the need to expand the current microalgal gene expression toolbox. Here, we discuss state-of-the-art promoter analyses, and highlight areas of research required to advance synthetic promoter development in C. reinhardtii. In particular, we exemplify high-throughput studies performed in other model systems that could be applicable to microalgae, and propose novel approaches to interrogating algal promoters. We lastly outline the major limitations hindering microalgal promoter development, while providing novel suggestions and perspectives for how to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonsina Milito
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Moritz Aschern
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josie L McQuillan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Jae-Seong Yang
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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27
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Perozeni F, Baier T. Current Nuclear Engineering Strategies in the Green Microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1566. [PMID: 37511941 PMCID: PMC10381326 DOI: 10.3390/life13071566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The green model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii recently emerged as a sustainable production chassis for the efficient biosynthesis of recombinant proteins and high-value metabolites. Its capacity for scalable, rapid and light-driven growth in minimal salt solutions, its simplicity for genetic manipulation and its "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) status are key features for its application in industrial biotechnology. Although nuclear transformation has typically resulted in limited transgene expression levels, recent developments now allow the design of powerful and innovative bioproduction concepts. In this review, we summarize the main obstacles to genetic engineering in C. reinhardtii and describe all essential aspects in sequence adaption and vector design to enable sufficient transgene expression from the nuclear genome. Several biotechnological examples of successful engineering serve as blueprints for the future establishment of C. reinhardtii as a green cell factory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Perozeni
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Thomas Baier
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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28
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Nelson G, Strain A, Isu A, Rahnama A, Wakabayashi KI, Melvin AT, Kato N. Cells collectively migrate during ammonium chemotaxis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10781. [PMID: 37402785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36818-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms governing chemotaxis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are largely unknown compared to those regulating phototaxis despite equal importance on the migratory response in the ciliated microalga. To study chemotaxis, we made a simple modification to a conventional Petri dish assay. Using the assay, a novel mechanism governing Chlamydomonas ammonium chemotaxis was revealed. First, we found that light exposure enhances the chemotactic response of wild-type Chlamydomonas strains, yet phototaxis-incompetent mutant strains, eye3-2 and ptx1, exhibit normal chemotaxis. This suggests that Chlamydomonas transduces the light signal pathway in chemotaxis differently from that in phototaxis. Second, we found that Chlamydomonas collectively migrate during chemotaxis but not phototaxis. Collective migration during chemotaxis is not clearly observed when the assay is conducted in the dark. Third, the Chlamydomonas strain CC-124 carrying agg1-, the AGGREGATE1 gene (AGG1) null mutation, exhibited a more robust collective migratory response than strains carrying the wild-type AGG1 gene. The expression of a recombinant AGG1 protein in the CC-124 strain suppressed this collective migration during chemotaxis. Altogether, these findings suggest a unique mechanism; ammonium chemotaxis in Chlamydomonas is mainly driven by collective cell migration. Furthermore, it is proposed that collective migration is enhanced by light and suppressed by the AGG1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabela Nelson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Alexis Strain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Atsuko Isu
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Alireza Rahnama
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Ken-Ichi Wakabayashi
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Adam T Melvin
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Naohiro Kato
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.
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29
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Sharma K, Sizova I, Sanyal SK, Pandey GK, Hegemann P, Kateriya S. Deciphering the role of cytoplasmic domain of Channelrhodopsin in modulating the interactome and SUMOylome of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125135. [PMID: 37247713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Translocation of channelrhodopsins (ChRs) is mediated by the intraflagellar transport (IFT) machinery. However, the functional role of the network involving photoreceptors, IFT and other proteins in controlling algal ciliary motility is still not fully delineated. In the current study, we have identified two important motifs at the C-terminus of ChR1, VXPX and LKNE. VXPX is a known ciliary targeting sequence in animals, and LKNE is a well-known SUMOylation motif. To the best of our knowledge, this study gives prima facie insight into the role of SUMOylation in Chlamydomonas. We prove that VMPS of ChR1 is important for interaction with GTPase CrARL11. We show that SUMO motifs are present in the C-terminus of putative ChR1s from green algae. Performing experiments with n-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) and Ubiquitin-like protease 1 (ULP-1) we show that SUMOylation may modulate ChR1 protein in Chlamydomonas. Experiments with 2D08, a known sumoylation blocker, increased the concentration of ChR1 protein. Finally, we show the endogenous SUMOylated proteins (SUMOylome) of C. reinhardtii, identified by using immunoprecipitation followed by nano-LC-MS/MS detection. This report establishes a link between evolutionarily conserved SUMOylation, and ciliary machinery for the maintenance and functioning of cilia across the eukaryotes. Our enriched SUMOylome of C. reinhardtii comprehends the proteins related to ciliary development and, photo-signaling, along with orthologue(s) associated to human ciliopathies as SUMO targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Sharma
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India; Laboratory of Optobiology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Irina Sizova
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute named by B.P. Konstantinov of National Research Centre, «Kurchatov Institute», St. Petersburg, Gatchina 1 188300, Russia
| | - Sibaji K Sanyal
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India; Laboratory of Optobiology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Girdhar K Pandey
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Institut für Biologie, Experimentelle Biophysik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Suneel Kateriya
- Laboratory of Optobiology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
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30
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Zadabbas Shahabadi H, Akbarzadeh A, Ofoghi H, Kadkhodaei S. Site-specific gene knock-in and bacterial phytase gene expression in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii via Cas9 RNP-mediated HDR. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1150436. [PMID: 37275253 PMCID: PMC10235511 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1150436] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we applied the HDR (homology-directed DNA repair) CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knock-in system to accurately insert an optimized foreign bacterial phytase gene at a specific site of the nitrate reductase (NR) gene (exon 2) to achieve homologous recombination with the stability of the transgene and reduce insertion site effects or gene silencing. To this end, we successfully knocked-in the targeted NR gene of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using the bacterial phytase gene cassette through direct delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system as the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex consisting of Cas9 protein and the specific single guide RNAs (sgRNAs). The NR insertion site editing was confirmed by PCR and sequencing of the transgene positive clones. Moreover, 24 clones with correct editing were obtained, where the phytase gene cassette was located in exon 2 of the NR gene, and the editing efficiency was determined to be 14.81%. Additionally, site-specific gene expression was analyzed and confirmed using RT-qPCR. Cultivation of the positive knocked-in colonies on the selective media during 10 generations indicated the stability of the correct editing without gene silencing or negative insertion site effects. Our results demonstrated that CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knock-in could be applied for nuclear expression of the heterologous gene of interest, and also confirmed its efficacy as an effective tool for site-specific gene knock-in, avoiding nuclear positional effects and gene silencing in C. reinhardtii. These findings could also provide a new perspective on the advantageous application of RNP-CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing to accelerate the commercial production of complex recombinant proteins in the food-grade organism "C. reinhardtii".
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Zadabbas Shahabadi
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Isfahan Branch, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arash Akbarzadeh
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Hamideh Ofoghi
- Department of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Kadkhodaei
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Isfahan Branch, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Isfahan, Iran
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31
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Arend M, Yuan Y, Ruiz-Sola MÁ, Omranian N, Nikoloski Z, Petroutsos D. Widening the landscape of transcriptional regulation of green algal photoprotection. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2687. [PMID: 37164999 PMCID: PMC10172295 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38183-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Availability of light and CO2, substrates of microalgae photosynthesis, is frequently far from optimal. Microalgae activate photoprotection under strong light, to prevent oxidative damage, and the CO2 Concentrating Mechanism (CCM) under low CO2, to raise intracellular CO2 levels. The two processes are interconnected; yet, the underlying transcriptional regulators remain largely unknown. Employing a large transcriptomic data compendium of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii's responses to different light and carbon supply, we reconstruct a consensus genome-scale gene regulatory network from complementary inference approaches and use it to elucidate transcriptional regulators of photoprotection. We show that the CCM regulator LCR1 also controls photoprotection, and that QER7, a Squamosa Binding Protein, suppresses photoprotection- and CCM-gene expression under the control of the blue light photoreceptor Phototropin. By demonstrating the existence of regulatory hubs that channel light- and CO2-mediated signals into a common response, our study provides an accessible resource to dissect gene expression regulation in this microalga.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Arend
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Systems Biology and Mathematical Modeling Group, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modeling Department, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yizhong Yuan
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - M Águila Ruiz-Sola
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Nooshin Omranian
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Systems Biology and Mathematical Modeling Group, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modeling Department, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Zoran Nikoloski
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
- Systems Biology and Mathematical Modeling Group, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
- Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modeling Department, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Dimitris Petroutsos
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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Blomme J, Wichard T, Jacobs TB, De Clerck O. Ulva: An emerging green seaweed model for systems biology. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37256696 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Green seaweeds exhibit a wide range of morphologies and occupy various ecological niches, spanning from freshwater to marine and terrestrial habitats. These organisms, which predominantly belong to the class Ulvophyceae, showcase a remarkable instance of parallel evolution toward complex multicellularity and macroscopic thalli in the Viridiplantae lineage. Within the green seaweeds, several Ulva species ("sea lettuce") are model organisms for studying carbon assimilation, interactions with bacteria, life cycle progression, and morphogenesis. Ulva species are also notorious for their fast growth and capacity to dominate nutrient-rich, anthropogenically disturbed coastal ecosystems during "green tide" blooms. From an economic perspective, Ulva has garnered increasing attention as a promising feedstock for the production of food, feed, and biobased products, also as a means of removing excess nutrients from the environment. We propose that Ulva is poised to further develop as a model in green seaweed research. In this perspective, we focus explicitly on Ulva mutabilis/compressa as a model species and highlight the molecular data and tools that are currently available or in development. We discuss several areas that will benefit from future research or where exciting new developments have been reported in other Ulva species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Blomme
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Wichard
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Jena School for Microbial Communication, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas B Jacobs
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Clerck
- Department of Biology, Phycology Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Yamasaki T, Tokutsu R, Sawa H, Razali NN, Hayashi M, Minagawa J. Small RNA-mediated silencing of phototropin suppresses the induction of photoprotection in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302185120. [PMID: 37098057 PMCID: PMC10160981 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302185120] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Small RNAs (sRNAs) form complexes with Argonaute proteins and bind to transcripts with complementary sequences to repress gene expression. sRNA-mediated regulation is conserved in a diverse range of eukaryotes and is involved in the control of various physiological functions. sRNAs are present in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and genetic analyses revealed that the core sRNA biogenesis and action mechanisms are conserved with those of multicellular organisms. However, the roles of sRNAs in this organism remain largely unknown. Here, we report that Chlamydomonas sRNAs contribute to the induction of photoprotection. In this alga, photoprotection is mediated by LIGHT HARVESTING COMPLEX STRESS-RELATED 3 (LHCSR3), whose expression is induced by light signals through the blue-light receptor phototropin (PHOT). We demonstrate here that sRNA-defective mutants showed increased PHOT abundance leading to greater LHCSR3 expression. Disruption of the precursor for two sRNAs predicted to bind to the PHOT transcript also increased PHOT accumulation and LHCSR3 expression. The induction of LHCSR3 in the mutants was enhanced by light containing blue wavelengths, but not by red light, indicating that the sRNAs regulate the degree of photoprotection via regulation of PHOT expression. Our results suggest that sRNAs are involved not only in the regulation of photoprotection but also in biological phenomena regulated by PHOT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohito Yamasaki
- Science and Technology Department, Natural Science Cluster, Kochi University, Kochi780-8520, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Tokutsu
- Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Myodaiji, Okazaki444-8585, Japan
| | - Haruhi Sawa
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kochi University, Kochi780-8520, Japan
| | - Nazifa Naziha Razali
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kochi University, Kochi780-8520, Japan
| | - Momoka Hayashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kochi University, Kochi780-8520, Japan
| | - Jun Minagawa
- Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Myodaiji, Okazaki444-8585, Japan
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Chen H, Yang QL, Xu JX, Deng X, Zhang YJ, Liu T, Rots MG, Xu GL, Huang KY. Efficient methods for multiple types of precise gene-editing in Chlamydomonas. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37310200 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Precise gene-editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology remains a long-standing challenge, especially for genes with low expression and no selectable phenotypes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a classic model for photosynthesis and cilia research. Here, we developed a multi-type and precise genetic manipulation method in which a DNA break was generated by Cas9 nuclease and the repair was mediated using a homologous DNA template. The efficacy of this method was demonstrated for several types of gene editing, including inactivation of two low-expression genes (CrTET1 and CrKU80), the introduction of a FLAG-HA epitope tag into VIPP1, IFT46, CrTET1 and CrKU80 genes, and placing a YFP tag into VIPP1 and IFT46 for live-cell imaging. We also successfully performed a single amino acid substitution for the FLA3, FLA10 and FTSY genes, and documented the attainment of the anticipated phenotypes. Lastly, we demonstrated that precise fragment deletion from the 3'-UTR of MAA7 and VIPP1 resulted in a stable knock-down effect. Overall, our study has established efficient methods for multiple types of precise gene editing in Chlamydomonas, enabling substitution, insertion and deletion at the base resolution, thus improving the potential of this alga in both basic research and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qing-Lin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jia-Xi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xuan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yun-Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Ting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Marianne G Rots
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Guo-Liang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Medical College of Fudan University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069), Shanghai, China
| | - Kai-Yao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
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Jeong BR, Jang J, Jin E. Genome engineering via gene editing technologies in microalgae. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 373:128701. [PMID: 36746216 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas has revolutionized genetic modification with its comparative simplicity and accuracy, and it can be used even at the genomic level. Microalgae are excellent feedstocks for biofuels and nutraceuticals because they contain high levels of fatty acids, carotenoids, and other metabolites; however, genome engineering for microalgae is not yet as developed as for other model organisms. Microalgal engineering at the genetic and metabolic levels is relatively well established, and a few genomic resources are available. Their genomic information was used for a "safe harbor" site for stable transgene expression in microalgae. This review proposes further genome engineering schemes including the construction of sgRNA libraries, pan-genomic and epigenomic resources, and mini-genomes, which can together be developed into synthetic biology for carbon-based engineering in microalgae. Acetyl-CoA is at the center of carbon metabolic pathways and is further reviewed for the production of molecules including terpenoids in microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeong-Ryool Jeong
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Junhwan Jang
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - EonSeon Jin
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea.
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Belshaw N, Grouneva I, Aram L, Gal A, Hopes A, Mock T. Efficient gene replacement by CRISPR/Cas-mediated homologous recombination in the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 238:438-452. [PMID: 36307966 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas enables targeted genome editing in many different plant and algal species including the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. However, efficient gene targeting by homologous recombination (HR) to date is only reported for photosynthetic organisms in their haploid life-cycle phase. Here, a CRISPR/Cas construct, assembled using Golden Gate cloning, enabled highly efficient HR in a diploid photosynthetic organism. Homologous recombination was induced in T. pseudonana using sequence-specific CRISPR/Cas, paired with a dsDNA donor matrix, generating substitution of the silacidin, nitrate reductase and urease genes by a resistance cassette (FCP:NAT). Up to c. 85% of NAT-resistant T. pseudonana colonies screened positive for HR by nested PCR. Precise integration of FCP:NAT at each locus was confirmed using an inverse PCR approach. The knockout of the nitrate reductase and urease genes impacted growth on nitrate and urea, respectively, while the knockout of the silacidin gene in T. pseudonana caused a significant increase in cell size, confirming the role of this gene for cell-size regulation in centric diatoms. Highly efficient gene targeting by HR makes T. pseudonana as genetically tractable as Nannochloropsis and Physcomitrella, hence rapidly advancing functional diatom biology, bionanotechnology and biotechnological applications targeted on harnessing the metabolic potential of diatoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Belshaw
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Irina Grouneva
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Lior Aram
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Assaf Gal
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Amanda Hopes
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Thomas Mock
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
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Sanyal SK, Sharma K, Bisht D, Sharma S, Kateriya S, Pandey GK. Role of calcium sensor protein module CBL-CIPK in abiotic stress and light signaling responses in green algae. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 237:124163. [PMID: 36965564 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Ca2+ signaling is an important biological process that enable to perceive and communicate information in the cell. Our current understanding of the signaling system suggests that plants and animals have certain differences in signal-sensing mechanisms. The Ca2+-mediated CBL-CIPK module has emerged as a major sensor responder network for Ca2+ signaling and has been speculated to be involved in plant terrestrial life adaptation. This module has previously been reported in Archaeplastids, Chromalveolates, and Excavates. In our experimental analysis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CBLs, we proved that the CrCBL1 protein interacts with Phototropin and Channelrhodopsin, and the expression of CrCBLs is modulated by light. Further analysis using chlorophyte and streptophyte algal sequences allowed us to identify the differences that have evolved in CBL and CIPK proteins since plants have progressed from aquatic to terrestrial habitats. Moreover, an investigation of Klebsormidium CBL and CIPK genes led us to know that they are abiotic stress stimuli-responsive, indicating that their role was defined very early during terrestrial adaptations. Structure-based prediction and Ca2+-binding assays indicated that the KnCBL1 protein in Klebsormidium showed a typical Ca2+-binding pocket. In summary, the results of this study suggest that these stress-responsive proteins enable crosstalk between Ca2+ and light signaling pathways very early during plant adaptation from aquatic to terrestrial habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibaji K Sanyal
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India; Laboratory of Optobiotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Komal Sharma
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India; Laboratory of Optobiotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Diksha Bisht
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Sunita Sharma
- Laboratory of Optobiotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Suneel Kateriya
- Laboratory of Optobiotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
| | - Girdhar K Pandey
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India.
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38
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Govorunova EG, Sineshchekov OA, Spudich JL. Potassium-selective channelrhodopsins. Biophys Physicobiol 2023; 20:e201011. [PMID: 38362336 PMCID: PMC10865875 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v20.s011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery 21 years ago, channelrhodopsins have come of age and have become indispensable tools for optogenetic control of excitable cells such as neurons and myocytes. Potential therapeutic utility of channelrhodopsins has been proven by partial vision restoration in a human patient. Previously known channelrhodopsins are either proton channels, non-selective cation channels almost equally permeable to Na+ and K+ besides protons, or anion channels. Two years ago, we discovered a group of channelrhodopsins that exhibit over an order of magnitude higher selectivity for K+ than for Na+. These proteins, known as "kalium channelrhodopsins" or KCRs, lack the canonical tetrameric selectivity filter found in voltage- and ligand-gated K+ channels, and use a unique selectivity mechanism intrinsic to their individual protomers. Mutant analysis has revealed that the key residues responsible for K+ selectivity in KCRs are located at both ends of the putative cation conduction pathway, and their role has been confirmed by high-resolution KCR structures. Expression of KCRs in mouse neurons and human cardiomyocytes enabled optical inhibition of these cells' electrical activity. In this minireview we briefly discuss major results of KCR research obtained during the last two years and suggest some directions of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena G. Govorunova
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Oleg A. Sineshchekov
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John L. Spudich
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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39
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Payne ZL, Penny GM, Turner TN, Dutcher SK. A gap-free genome assembly of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and detection of translocations induced by CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 4:100493. [PMID: 36397679 PMCID: PMC10030371 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2022.100493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Genomic assemblies of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii have provided important resources for researchers. However, assembly errors, large gaps, and unplaced scaffolds as well as strain-specific variants currently impede many types of analysis. By combining PacBio HiFi and Oxford Nanopore long-read technologies, we generated a de novo genome assembly for strain CC-5816, derived from crosses of strains CC-125 and CC-124. Multiple methods of evaluating genome completeness and base-pair error rate suggest that the final telomere-to-telomere assembly is highly accurate. The CC-5816 assembly enabled previously difficult analyses that include characterization of the 17 centromeres, rDNA arrays on three chromosomes, and 56 insertions of organellar DNA into the nuclear genome. Using Nanopore sequencing, we identified sites of cytosine (CpG) methylation, which are enriched at centromeres. We analyzed CRISPR-Cas9 insertional mutants in the PF23 gene. Two of the three alleles produced progeny that displayed patterns of meiotic inviability that suggested the presence of a chromosomal aberration. Mapping Nanopore reads from pf23-2 and pf23-3 onto the CC-5816 genome showed that these two strains each carry a translocation that was initiated at the PF23 gene locus on chromosome 11 and joined with chromosomes 5 or 3, respectively. The translocations were verified by demonstrating linkage between loci on the two translocated chromosomes in meiotic progeny. The three pf23 alleles display the expected short-cilia phenotype, and immunoblotting showed that pf23-2 lacks the PF23 protein. Our CC-5816 genome assembly will undoubtedly provide an important tool for the Chlamydomonas research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L Payne
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Gervette M Penny
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tychele N Turner
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Susan K Dutcher
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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40
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Miró-Vinyals B, Artigues M, Wostrikoff K, Monte E, Broto-Puig F, Leivar P, Planas A. Chloroplast engineering of the green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for the production of HAA, the lipid moiety of rhamnolipid biosurfactants. N Biotechnol 2023; 76:1-12. [PMID: 37004923 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxyalkanoyloxyalkanoates (HAA) are lipidic surfactants with a number of potential applications, but more remarkably, they are the biosynthetic precursors of rhamnolipids (RL), which are preferred biosurfactants thanks to their excellent physicochemical properties, biological activities, and environmental biodegradability. Because the natural highest producer of RLs is the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, important efforts have been dedicated to transfer production to heterologous non-pathogenic microorganisms. Unicellular photosynthetic microalgae are emerging as important hosts for sustainable industrial biotechnology due to their ability to transform CO2 efficiently into biomass and bioproducts of interest. Here, we have explored the potential of the eukaryotic green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a chassis to produce RLs. Chloroplast genome engineering allowed the stable functional expression of the gene encoding RhlA acyltransferase from P. aeruginosa, an enzyme catalyzing the condensation of two 3-hydroxyacyl acid intermediaries in the fatty acid synthase cycle, to produce HAA. Four congeners of varying chain lengths were identified and quantified by UHPLC-QTOF mass spectrometry and gas chromatography, including C10-C10 and C10-C8, and the less abundant C10-C12 and C10-C6 congeners. HAA was present in the intracellular fraction, but also showed increased accumulation in the extracellular medium. Moreover, HAA production was also observed under photoautotrophic conditions based on atmospheric CO2. These results establish that RhlA is active in the chloroplast and is able to produce a new pool of HAA in a eukaryotic host. Subsequent engineering of microalgal strains should contribute to the development of an alternative clean, safe and cost-effective platform for the sustainable production of RLs. DATA AVAILABILITY: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding authors upon reasonable request.
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Patel VK, Das A, Kumari R, Kajla S. Recent progress and challenges in CRISPR-Cas9 engineered algae and cyanobacteria. ALGAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.103068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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42
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Mattoon EM, McHargue W, Bailey CE, Zhang N, Chen C, Eckhardt J, Daum CG, Zane M, Pennacchio C, Schmutz J, O'Malley RC, Cheng J, Zhang R. High-throughput identification of novel heat tolerance genes via genome-wide pooled mutant screens in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:865-888. [PMID: 36479703 PMCID: PMC9898210 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Different high temperatures adversely affect crop and algal yields with various responses in photosynthetic cells. The list of genes required for thermotolerance remains elusive. Additionally, it is unclear how carbon source availability affects heat responses in plants and algae. We utilized the insertional, indexed, genome-saturating mutant library of the unicellular, eukaryotic green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to perform genome-wide, quantitative, pooled screens under moderate (35°C) or acute (40°C) high temperatures with or without organic carbon sources. We identified heat-sensitive mutants based on quantitative growth rates and identified putative heat tolerance genes (HTGs). By triangulating HTGs with heat-induced transcripts or proteins in wildtype cultures and MapMan functional annotations, we presented a high/medium-confidence list of 933 Chlamydomonas genes with putative roles in heat tolerance. Triangulated HTGs include those with known thermotolerance roles and novel genes with little or no functional annotation. About 50% of these high-confidence HTGs in Chlamydomonas have orthologs in green lineage organisms, including crop species. Arabidopsis thaliana mutants deficient in the ortholog of a high-confidence Chlamydomonas HTG were also heat sensitive. This work expands our knowledge of heat responses in photosynthetic cells and provides engineering targets to improve thermotolerance in algae and crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. Mattoon
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63132, USA
- Plant and Microbial Biosciences Program, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - William McHargue
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63132, USA
| | | | - Ningning Zhang
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63132, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - James Eckhardt
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63132, USA
| | - Chris G. Daum
- U.S. Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Matt Zane
- U.S. Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Christa Pennacchio
- U.S. Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Schmutz
- U.S. Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ronan C. O'Malley
- U.S. Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jianlin Cheng
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Ru Zhang
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63132, USA
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Anders C, Hoengenaert L, Boerjan W. Accelerating wood domestication in forest trees through genome editing: Advances and prospects. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 71:102329. [PMID: 36586396 PMCID: PMC7614060 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The high economic value of wood requires intensive breeding towards multipurpose biomass. However, long breeding cycles hamper the fast development of novel tree varieties that have improved biomass properties, are tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses, and resilient to climate change. To speed up domestication, the integration of conventional breeding and new breeding techniques is needed. In this review, we discuss recent advances in genome editing and Cas-DNA-free genome engineering of forest trees, and briefly discuss how multiplex editing combined with multi-omics approaches can accelerate the genetic improvement of forest trees, with a focus on wood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Anders
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lennart Hoengenaert
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wout Boerjan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
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Kumar A, Baldia A, Rajput D, Kateriya S, Babu V, Dubey KK. Multiomics and optobiotechnological approaches for the development of microalgal strain for production of aviation biofuel and biorefinery. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 369:128457. [PMID: 36503094 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128457] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Demand and consumption of fossil fuels is increasing daily, and oil reserves are depleting. Technological developments are required towards developing sustainable renewable energy sources and microalgae are emerging as a potential candidate for various application-driven research. Molecular understanding attained through omics and system biology approach empowering researchers to modify various metabolic pathways of microalgal system for efficient extraction of biofuel and important biomolecules. This review furnish insight into different "advanced approaches" like optogenetics, systems biology and multi-omics for enhanced production of FAS (Fatty Acid Synthesis) and lipids in microalgae and their associated challenges. These new approaches would be helpful in the path of developing microalgae inspired technological platforms for optobiorefinery, which could be explored as source material to produce biofuels and other valuable bio-compounds on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Anshu Baldia
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Deepanshi Rajput
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Suneel Kateriya
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Vikash Babu
- Fermentation & Microbial Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Kashyap Kumar Dubey
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
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Hassanien A, Saadaoui I, Schipper K, Al-Marri S, Dalgamouni T, Aouida M, Saeed S, Al-Jabri HM. Genetic engineering to enhance microalgal-based produced water treatment with emphasis on CRISPR/Cas9: A review. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1104914. [PMID: 36714622 PMCID: PMC9881887 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1104914] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the increased demand for and regional variability of available water resources, along with sustainable water supply planning, have driven interest in the reuse of produced water. Reusing produced water can provide important economic, social, and environmental benefits, particularly in water-scarce regions. Therefore, efficient wastewater treatment is a crucial step prior to reuse to meet the requirements for use within the oil and gas industry or by external users. Bioremediation using microalgae has received increased interest as a method for produced water treatment for removing not only major contaminants such as nitrogen and phosphorus, but also heavy metals and hydrocarbons. Some research publications reported nearly 100% removal of total hydrocarbons, total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and iron when using microalgae to treat produced water. Enhancing microalgal removal efficiency as well as growth rate, in the presence of such relevant contaminants is of great interest to many industries to further optimize the process. One novel approach to further enhancing algal capabilities and phytoremediation of wastewater is genetic modification. A comprehensive description of using genetically engineered microalgae for wastewater bioremediation is discussed in this review. This article also reviews random and targeted mutations as a method to alter microalgal traits to produce strains capable of tolerating various stressors related to wastewater. Other methods of genetic engineering are discussed, with sympathy for CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This is accompanied by the opportunities, as well as the challenges of using genetically engineered microalgae for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Hassanien
- Algal Technologies Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Imen Saadaoui
- Algal Technologies Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar,Biological and environmental Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kira Schipper
- Algal Technologies Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Tasneem Dalgamouni
- Algal Technologies Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mustapha Aouida
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Qatar Foundation, College of Health and Life Sciences, Education City, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suhur Saeed
- ExxonMobil Research Qatar (EMRQ), Doha, Qatar
| | - Hareb M. Al-Jabri
- Algal Technologies Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar,Biological and environmental Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar,*Correspondence: Hareb M. Al-Jabri,
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46
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Catalan RE, Fragkopoulos AA, von Trott N, Kelterborn S, Baidukova O, Hegemann P, Bäumchen O. Light-regulated adsorption and desorption of Chlamydomonas cells at surfaces. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:306-314. [PMID: 36520090 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01039a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microbial colonization of surfaces represents the first step towards biofilm formation, which is a recurring phenomenon in nature with beneficial and detrimental implications in technological and medical settings. Consequently, there is interest in elucidating the fundamental aspects of the initial stages of biofilm formation of microorganisms on solid surfaces. While most of the research is oriented to understand bacterial surface colonization, the fundamental principles of surface colonization of motile, photosynthetic microbes remain largely unexplored so far. Recent single-cell studies showed that the flagellar adhesion of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is switched on in blue light and switched off under red light [Kreis et al., Nat. Phys., 2018, 14, 45-49]. Here, we study this light-switchable surface association on the population level and measure the kinetics of adsorption and desorption of suspensions of motile C. reinhardtii cells on glass surfaces using bright-field optical microscopy. We observe that both processes exhibit a response lag relative to the time at which the blue- and red-light conditions are set and model this feature using time-delayed Langmuir-type kinetics. We find that cell adsorption occurs significantly faster than desorption, which we attribute to the protein-mediated molecular adhesion mechanism of the cells. Adsorption experiments using phototactically blind C. reinhardtii mutants demonstrate that phototaxis does not affect the cell adsorption kinetics. Hence, this framework can be used as an assay for characterizing the dynamics of the surface colonization of microbial species exhibiting light-regulated surface adhesion under precisely controlled environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo E Catalan
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS), Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Experimental Physics V, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Alexandros A Fragkopoulos
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS), Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Experimental Physics V, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Nicolas von Trott
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS), Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Simon Kelterborn
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Translational Physiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Olga Baidukova
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Bäumchen
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS), Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Experimental Physics V, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
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Blomme J, Ribera JA, Develtere W, Jacobs TB. A Simple and Low-Tech Heat-Shock Method to Increase Genome Editing Efficiency in Plants. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e608. [PMID: 36469612 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas is now the standard technique to generate novel plant genotypes. However, optimizing the efficiency of the system continues to be an aspect of research and development. One of the improvements for increasing mutagenesis efficiency in different species is the application of heat stress. However, many experimental setups are limited by the requirement of using dedicated climate chambers to impose heat stress and by difficulties in the phenotyping of soil-grown plants. Here, we describe a simplified heat stress assay for in vitro-grown plants that can be completed in 6 days using commonly available laboratory equipment. We show that three 24-hr heat shocks (3×HS) at 37°C alternated with 24 hr of recovery at 21°C efficiently increases indel rates of LbCas12a and Cas9. We illustrate how visual mutant phenotypes (pds3 and gl1) can assist in quantifying genome editing efficiency, and describe how to quantify genome editing efficiency using genotyping by Sanger sequencing. We also provide a support protocol to efficiently clone a CRISPR expression vector in a single step. Together, our methods allow researchers to increase CRISPR-induced mutations using a low-tech setup in plants. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: 3×HS protocol Basic Protocol 2: Genotyping by Sanger sequencing Support Protocol: One-step cloning of a CRISPR expression vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Blomme
- Phycology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Júlia Arraiza Ribera
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ward Develtere
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas B Jacobs
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
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Gating and ion selectivity of Channelrhodopsins are critical for photo-activated orientation of Chlamydomonas as shown by in vivo point mutation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7253. [PMID: 36433995 PMCID: PMC9700795 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The green unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with two photoreceptors called channelrhodopsins is a model organism that gave birth to a new scientific field of biomedical studies, optogenetics. Although channelrhodopsins are helping to decipher the activity of the human brain, their functionality has never been extensively studied in the organism of origin, mainly due to the difficulties connected to reverse genetic interventions. In this study, we present a CRISPR-Cas9-based technique that enables a precise in vivo exchange of single amino acids in a selected gene. To shed light on the function of channelrhodopsins ChR1 (C1) and ChR2 (C2) in vivo, we deleted both channelrhodopsins independently in the wild-type strain and introduced point mutations in the remaining channel, causing modified photocycle kinetics and ion selectivity. The mutated strains, ΔC1C2-E123T, ΔC1C2-E90R and ΔC1C2-E90Q, showed about 100-fold decrease in photosensitivity, a reduced photophobic response and faster light adaptation rates due to accelerated photocycle kinetics and reduced Ca2+ conductance. Moreover, the ΔC1C2-E90Q with an additionally reduced H+ permeability produced an electrical response only in the presence of Na+ ions, highlighting a contribution and importance of H+ conductance to photocurrents in the wild-type algae. Finally, in the ΔC1C2-E90R strain with the channelrhodopsin selectivity converted to anions, no photo-responses were detected. We conclude that the precise photocycle kinetics and the particular ion selectivity of channelrhodopsins are the key parameters for efficient phototaxis in low light conditions.
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Chen Y, Liang H, Du H, Jesumani V, He W, Cheong KL, Li T, Hong T. Industry chain and challenges of microalgal food industry-a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:4789-4816. [PMID: 36377724 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2145455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Currently, the whole world is facing hunger due to the increase in the global population and the rising level of food consumption. Unfortunately, the impact of environmental, climate, and political issues on agriculture has resulted in limited global food resources. Thus, it is important to develop new food sources that are environmentally friendly and not subject to climate or space limitations. Microalgae represent a potential source of nutrients and bioactive components for a wide range of high-value products. Advances in cultivation and genetic engineering techniques provide prospective approaches to widen their application for food. However, there are currently problems in the microalgae food industry in terms of assessing nutritional value, selecting processes for microalgae culture, obtaining suitable commercial strains of microalgae, etc. Additionally, the limitations of real data of market opportunities for microalgae make it difficult to assess their actual potential and to develop a better industrial chain. This review addresses the current status of the microalgae food industry, the process of commercializing microalgae food and breeding methods. Current research progress in addressing the limitations of microalgae industrialization and future prospects for developing microalgae food products are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- STU-UNIVPM Joint Algal Research Center, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Honghao Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- STU-UNIVPM Joint Algal Research Center, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Du
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- STU-UNIVPM Joint Algal Research Center, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Valentina Jesumani
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiling He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- STU-UNIVPM Joint Algal Research Center, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kit-Leong Cheong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tangcheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- STU-UNIVPM Joint Algal Research Center, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Hong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- STU-UNIVPM Joint Algal Research Center, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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50
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Petersen J, Rredhi A, Szyttenholm J, Mittag M. Evolution of circadian clocks along the green lineage. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:924-937. [PMID: 35325228 PMCID: PMC9516769 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Circadian clocks govern temporal programs in the green lineage (Chloroplastida) as they do in other photosynthetic pro- and eukaryotes, bacteria, fungi, animals, and humans. Their physiological properties, including entrainment, phase responses, and temperature compensation, are well conserved. The involvement of transcriptional/translational feedback loops in the oscillatory machinery and reversible phosphorylation events are also maintained. Circadian clocks control a large variety of output rhythms in green algae and terrestrial plants, adjusting their metabolism and behavior to the day-night cycle. The angiosperm Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) represents a well-studied circadian clock model. Several molecular components of its oscillatory machinery are conserved in other Chloroplastida, but their functions may differ. Conserved clock components include at least one member of the CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1/REVEILLE and one of the PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR family. The Arabidopsis evening complex members EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3), ELF4, and LUX ARRHYTHMO are found in the moss Physcomitrium patens and in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. In the flagellate chlorophyte alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, only homologs of ELF4 and LUX (named RHYTHM OF CHLOROPLAST ROC75) are present. Temporal ROC75 expression in C. reinhardtii is opposite to that of the angiosperm LUX, suggesting different clock mechanisms. In the picoalga Ostreococcus tauri, both ELF genes are missing, suggesting that it has a progenitor circadian "green" clock. Clock-relevant photoreceptors and thermosensors vary within the green lineage, except for the CRYPTOCHROMEs, whose variety and functions may differ. More genetically tractable models of Chloroplastida are needed to draw final conclusions about the gradual evolution of circadian clocks within the green lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Petersen
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Anxhela Rredhi
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Julie Szyttenholm
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Maria Mittag
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena 07743, Germany
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