Genome editing-based mutagenesis stably modifies composition of wax esters synthesized by Euglena gracilis under anaerobic conditions.

Microalgal oil production represents a promising renewable biofuel source. Metabolic engineering can enhance its utility, transforming it into an improved biofuel and expanding its applications as a feedstock for commodity chemicals, thereby increasing their value in biorefineries. This study focused on anaerobic wax ester production by the microalga Euglena gracilis, aiming to develop stable mutant strains with altered wax ester profiles through genome editing.