Regulation of Oil Biosynthesis in Algae
Abstract
Many algae including Chlamydomonas accumulate triacylglycerols when cultures enter stationary phase leading to nutrient limitation. The identification of microalgal genes encoding the enzymes and regulatory factors required for the induction of oil biosynthesis is the immediate goal of the proposed work. Towards this end the following findings were met: 1.) A mutant screen to isolate gene disruption mutants of Chlamydomonas was established and 15 mutants were identified with altered lipid composition of a pool of 7000 tested transgenic lines. 2.) Conditions were established and gene expression profiles were compared under high and low N growth conditions. 700 genes were found to be differentially regulated, among these 5 encoding transcription factors. 3.) Oil bodies were isolated from induced Chlamydomonas and approximately 250 proteins associate with these oil bodies were identified. 4.) Four predicted enzymes of oil biosynthesis were isolated and cloned into yeast expression vectors. These genes and mutants are currently under investigation for their potential roles in oil biosynthesis in microalgae.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA483737
Entities
People
- Christoph Benning
- Eric R. Moellering
- Marie Fedewa
- Rachel Miller
Organizations
- Michigan State University