Abstract
In recent years, microalgae have attracted considerable interest as a biofuel resource owing to their rapid growth, tolerance to harsh conditions, and ability to accumulate a large amount of triacylglycerols (TAGs). However, the economic effectiveness of algal biofuel is still low. In this study, we attempted to increase oil production of the microalga Scenedesmus quadricauda by elevating intracellular malonyl-CoA and glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) pools. To increase intracellular oil content, yeast-derived genes encoding acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC1), glycerol kinase (GPD1), and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GUT1) were overexpressed under the control of CaMV 35S and NOS promoters with SV40 large T antigen components. Fatty acid profiling, G3P content, and the number of cells with high oil content were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, G3P assay kit, and flow cytometry, respectively. Overexpression of ACC1 increased the total fatty acid content by 1.6-fold. Overexpression of GPD1 and GUT1 increased intracellular G3P content by 1.6- and 1.9-fold, respectively. Multi-gene expression of ACC1, GPD1, and GUT1 increased the number of cells with high oil content by 1.45-fold compared with that observed with the wild-type. This study is the first to report increased oil production by overexpression of the key genes (ACC1, GPD1, and GUT1) for TAG biosynthesis in microalgae.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
