A rapid CAT transformation protocol and nuclear transgene expression tools for metabolic engineering in Cyanidioschyzon merolae 10D.

The eukaryotic red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae 10D is an emerging algal host for synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. Its small nuclear genome (16.5 Mb; 4775 genes), low intron content (39), stable transgene expression, and capacity for homologous recombination into its nuclear genome make it ideal for genetic and metabolic engineering endeavors.

Compartmentalized Sesquiterpenoid Biosynthesis and Functionalization in the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Plastid.

Terpenoids play key roles in cellular metabolism and can have specialized functions. Their heterologous production in microbial hosts offers an alternative to natural extraction. Here, we developed a subcellular engineering approach in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by targeting both sesquiterpenoid synthases and cytochrome P450s (CYPs) to the plastid, exploiting its photosynthetic electron transport chain to drive CYP-mediated oxidation without reductase partners.

Engineered production of isoprene from the model green microalga .

Isoprene is a clear, colorless, volatile 5-carbon hydrocarbon that is one monomer of all cellular isoprenoids and a platform chemical with multiple applications in industry. Many plants have evolved isoprene synthases (IspSs) with the capacity to liberate isoprene from dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMADP) as part of cellular thermotolerance mechanisms. Isoprene is hydrophobic and volatile, rapidly leaves plant tissues and is one of the main carbon emission sources from vegetation globally.

Teaching an old 'doc' new tricks for algal biotechnology: Strategic filter use enables multi-scale fluorescent protein signal detection.

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are powerful reporters with a broad range of applications in gene expression and subcellular localization. High-throughput screening is often required to identify individual transformed cell lines in organisms that favor non-homologous-end-joining integration of transgenes into genomes, like in the model green microalga . Strategic transgene design, including genetic fusion of transgenes to FPs, and strain domestication have aided engineering efforts in this host but have not removed the need for screening large numbers of transformants to identify those with robust transgene expression levels.

Genome-wide association study in quinoa reveals selection pattern typical for crops with a short breeding history.

Quinoa germplasm preserves useful and substantial genetic variation, yet it remains untapped due to a lack of implementation of modern breeding tools. We have integrated field and sequence data to characterize a large diversity panel of quinoa. Whole-genome sequencing of 310 accessions revealed 2.

Combinatorial Engineering Enables Photoautotrophic Growth in High Cell Density Phosphite-Buffered Media to Support Engineered Bio-Production Concepts.

has emerged as a powerful green cell factory for metabolic engineering of sustainable products created from the photosynthetic lifestyle of this microalga. Advances in nuclear genome modification and transgene expression are allowing robust engineering strategies to be demonstrated in this host. However, commonly used lab strains are not equipped with features to enable their broader implementation in non-sterile conditions and high-cell density concepts.

Quinoa Phenotyping Methodologies: An International Consensus.

Quinoa is a crop originating in the Andes but grown more widely and with the genetic potential for significant further expansion. Due to the phenotypic plasticity of quinoa, varieties need to be assessed across years and multiple locations. To improve comparability among field trials across the globe and to facilitate collaborations, components of the trials need to be kept consistent, including the type and methods of data collected.

Growth and Biochemical Responses of Potato Cultivars under In Vitro Lithium Chloride and Mannitol Simulated Salinity and Drought Stress.

Globally, drought and salinity stress critically constrain potato ( L.) production. Considering the impact of these stresses on crops and increasing food demand, insight into both tolerance and susceptibility is essential.

Metabolomic and Biochemical Analysis of Two Potato ( L.) Cultivars Exposed to In Vitro Osmotic and Salt Stresses.

Globally, many crop production areas are threatened by drought and salinity. Potato ( L.) is susceptible to these challenging environmental conditions.