Development of effective transformation methods for harmful algae

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24580268
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: General fisheries
• Research Institution: Kochi University
• Principal Investigator: ADACHI Masao 高知大学, 自然科学系, 教授 (70274363)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): OHNISHI Kohei 高知大学, 教育研究部総合科学系, 教授 (50211800)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 有害・有毒プランクトン / 形質転換

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The objective for this study is to develop a transformation system of marine harmful microalgae using new promoters from microalgae-infecting viruses. We have determined the genome sequences of viruses which infect the diatom Rhizosolenia, the causative organism for bleaching of aquacultured ‘nori’ (Porphyra yezoensis) and the fish-killing raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo. We have succeeded in cultivation of the two harmful algae on semi-solid media containing low concentration of agarose. We have established a transformation method of Rhizosolenia using a vector which contained a new viral promoter isolated from a virus infecting the diatom. This is the first study describing the transformation system of harmful microalgae.

Free Research Field

水産学・水産学一般