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Genetic engineering of microalgae for fuel production

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Summary

Significant progress has been made toward the successful genetic engineering of microalgal species with high potential for fuel production. Foreign DNA has been transferred into a green alga,Chlorella ellipsoidea, and has been successfully expressed in this heterologous system. In addition, electroporation has shown promise as a means of introducing DNA into intact algal cells. We have analyzed the composition of DNA from several algal species and demonstrated the presence of elevated GC contents in several green algal species. These results suggest that homologous selectable markers may be required for the development of stable transformation systems for the algae; the development of nitrate reductase and orotidine-5′-phosphate decarboxylase as homologous selectable markers forMonoraphidium minutum and forCyclotella cryptica is in progress. We have constructed a cDNA expression library forCyclotella cryptica, and are constructing cDNA and genomic libraries for several other algal species. The libraries will be screened with heterologous or homologous probes for nitrate reductase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in order to clone these genes, which appear to influence lipid accumulation in the algae. This work represents important steps toward the genetic improvement of micro-algae for fuel production.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biotechnology Research Branch, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Blvd., 80401, Golden, CO

    Terri G. Dünahay, Eric E. Jarvis, Kathryn G. Zeiler, Paul G. Roessler & Lewis M. Brown

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  1. Terri G. Dünahay
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  2. Eric E. Jarvis
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  3. Kathryn G. Zeiler
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  4. Paul G. Roessler
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  5. Lewis M. Brown
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Dünahay, T.G., Jarvis, E.E., Zeiler, K.G. et al. Genetic engineering of microalgae for fuel production. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 34, 331–339 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02920556

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