Development of basic technology for metabolic engineering of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina)

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26870472
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Aquatic life science; Design and evaluation of sustainable and environmental conscious system
• Research Institution: Tokyo Metropolitan University
• Principal Investigator: Ehira Shigeki 首都大学東京, 理工学研究科, 准教授 (90548132)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 微細藻類 / スピルリナ / 形質転換 / 制限修飾系

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we developed genetic engineering technology indispensable for metabolic engineering of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (common name: Spirulina) which is one of the microalgae closest to practical use as biomass resources. The biggest barrier in the transformation of Spirulina is that the DNA introduced from the outside of cells is degraded by 11 Type II restriction enzymes and multiple Type I restriction enzymes. In this study, we developed methods for protection of DNA from these restriction enzymes and established the basic technology for the transformation of Spirulina.

Free Research Field

微生物分子生理学