Development of resource-recycling material production technology using marine microalgae

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K00652
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Design and evaluation of sustainable and environmental conscious system
• Research Institution: Tottori University
• Principal Investigator: HARADA Hisashi 鳥取大学, 工学研究科, 准教授 (50640900)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 海洋性珪藻 / ゲノム編集 / イソプレノイド / 代謝工学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Genome editing, such as TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9, are powerful tools that can be applied to species that have traditionally been difficult to genetic modification. In this study, we attempted to construct a genome editing system that can recycle selection marker and aimed to develop a technology to modify multiple genes in marine diatoms. Through this study, we developed episome-type genome-editing plasmids for diatoms, which allowed for the introduction and retention into diatom cells, as well as plasmid curing and reintroduction. It was also demonstrated that the developed technology can be applied to the modification of various genes. Therefore, this study completes the construction of a multiple genome editing system in marine diatoms.

Free Research Field

代謝工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

珪藻類においては、専らボンバードメント法による染色体導入型のゲノム編集が用いられているが、発現カセットがゲノムにランダムに挿入されること、導入後の発現カセットの除去が困難であるため複数遺伝子をターゲットとしたゲノム改変が不可能であった。本研究はこれらの欠点を完全に補完するだけではなく、特別な装置がなくとも実施可能なゲノム編集システムである。したがって、今後は国内外の多くの研究機関を対象に広く技術を提供することで、珪藻類を対象とした数多くの基礎研究や応用研究分野での活用が期待される。