Model-assisted identification of metabolic engineering strategies forJatropha curcaslipid pathways

Efficient approaches to increase plant lipid production are necessary to meet current industrial demands for this important resource. WhileJatropha curcascell culture can be used forin vitrolipid production, scaling up the system for industrial applications requires an understanding of how growth conditions affect lipid metabolism and yield. Here we present a bottom-up metabolic reconstruction ofJ. curcassupported with labeling experiments and biomass characterization under three growth conditions. We show that the metabolic model can accurately predict growth and distribution of fluxes in cell cultures and use these findings to pinpoint energy expenditures that affect lipid biosynthesis and metabolism. In addition, by using constraint-based modeling approaches we identify network reactions whose joint manipulation optimizes lipid production. The proposed model and computational analyses provide a stepping stone for future rational optimization of other agronomically relevant traits inJ. curcas.