4.7 Article

Heterologous expression of phosphite dehydrogenase in the chloroplast or nucleus enables phosphite utilization and genetic selection in Picochlorum spp.

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DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102604

Keywords

Microalgae; Genetic engineering; Picochlorum; Phosphite; Phosphite dehydrogenase; Chloroplast transformation

Funding

  1. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) [28812]
  2. Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research, Genomic Science Program under Secure Biosystems Design Science Focus Area IMAGINE BioSecurity: Integrative Modeling and Genome-scale Engineering for Biosystems Security [DE-AC36-08GO28308]

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Microalgae, specifically the Picochlorum genus, offer a potential solution for combating climate change by capturing and reducing CO2 to sustainable fuels and chemicals. In this study, the researchers aimed to expand the genetic toolbox available for the Picochlorum genus by heterologously expressing the phosphite dehydrogenase gene. The results showed that the transgenic algae were able to utilize phosphite as a sole phosphorus source and exhibited comparable growth and composition to conventionally grown algae. This research presents new possibilities for genetic engineering and crop protection strategies.
Microalgae present a path to ameliorate problems associated with climate change via capture and reduction of CO2 to sustainable fuels and chemicals. Picochlorum is a genus of algae recently recognized for potential application in these regards due to its high productivity, thermotolerance, and halotolerance. Foundational genetic tools have recently been established in this genus. However, at present, genetic markers are limited, hindering genetic throughput and trait stacking approaches. To expand the suite of genetic tools and markers available for this genus, we sought to heterologously express the phosphite dehydrogenase (ptxD) gene from Pseudomonas stutzeri WM88 in both the nucleus and chloroplast of Picochlorum renovo and Picochlorum celeri. The resultant strains allow for utilization of phosphite as a sole phosphorous source and as a nuclear and plastidial selection marker for genetic engineering. Growth analysis indicated comparable growth and composition when transgenic algae were grown in media containing phosphite as a sole phosphorus source, as compared to the conventionally used phosphate. Combined, these results expand the genetic toolbox available to the Picochlorum genus and present a potential crop protection and biocontainment strategy.

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