Enhancement of biomass and lipid productivity by overexpression of a bZIP transcription factor in Nannochloropsis salina

Overview
TitleEnhancement of biomass and lipid productivity by overexpression of a bZIP transcription factor in Nannochloropsis salina
AuthorsKwon S, Kang NK, Koh HG, Shin SE, Lee B, Jeong BR, Chang YK
TypeJournal Article
Journal NameBiotechnology and bioengineering
Volume115
Issue2
Year2018
Page(s)331-340
CitationKwon S, Kang NK, Koh HG, Shin SE, Lee B, Jeong BR, Chang YK. Enhancement of biomass and lipid productivity by overexpression of a bZIP transcription factor in Nannochloropsis salina. Biotechnology and bioengineering. 2018 02; 115(2):331-340.

Abstract

Microalgae are considered as excellent platforms for biomaterial production that can replace conventional fossil fuel-based fuels and chemicals. Genetic engineering of microalgae is prerequisite to maximize production of materials and to reduce costs for the production. Transcription factors (TFs) are emerging as key regulators of metabolic pathways to enhance production of molecules for biofuels and other materials. TFs with the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain have been known as stress regulators and are associated with lipid metabolism in plants. We overexpressed a bZIP TF, NsbZIP1, in Nannochloropsis salina, and found that transformants showed enhanced growth with concomitant increase in lipid contents. The improved phenotypes were also notable under stress conditions including N limitation and high salt. To understand the mechanism underlying improved phenotypes, we analyzed expression patterns of predicted target genes involved in lipid metabolism via quantitative RT-PCR, confirming increases transcript levels. NsbZIP1 appeared to be one of type C bZIPs in plants that has been known to regulate lipid metabolism under stress. Taken together, we demonstrated that NsbZIP1 could improve both growth and lipid production, and TF engineering can serve as an excellent genetic engineering tool for production of biofuels and biomaterials in microalgae.

Properties
Additional details for this publication include:
Property NameValue
Journal CountryUnited States
Publication TypeJournal Article
Language Abbreng
LanguageEnglish
Copyright© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elocation10.1002/bit.26465
DOI10.1002/bit.26465
Journal AbbreviationBiotechnol. Bioeng.
Publication Date2018 02
eISSN1097-0290
ISSN1097-0290
Publication ModelPrint-Electronic
Publication TypeResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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PMID: PubMedPMID:28976541