Molecular Genetic Techniques for Algal Bioengineering

Abstract

The uniquely diverse metabolism of algae can make this group of organisms a prime target for biotechnological purposes and applications. To fully reap their biotechnological potential, molecular genetic techniques for manipulating algae must gain track and become more reliable. To this end, this chapter describes the currently available molecular genetic techniques and resources, as well as a number of relevant computational tools that can facilitate genetic manipulation of algae. Genetic transformation is perhaps the most elemental of such techniques and has become a well-established approach in algal-based genetic experiments. The utility of genetic transformations and other molecular genetic techniques is guided by phenotypic insights resulting from forward and reverse genetic analysis. As such, genetic transformations can form the building blocks for more complex genic manipulations. Herein, we describe currently available engineered homologous recombination or recombineering approaches, which allow for substitutions, insertions, and deletions of larger DNA segments, as well as manipulation of endogenous DNA. In addition, as reagent resources in the form of cloned open reading frames (ORFs) of transcription factors (TFs) and metabolic enzymes become more readily available, algal genetic manipulations can greatly increase the range of obtainable phenotypes for biotechnological applications. Such resources and a few case studies are highlighted in the context of candidate genes for algal bioengineering. On a final note, tools for computer-aided design (CAD) to prototype molecular genetic techniques and protocols are described. Such tools could greatly increase the reliability and efficiency of genetic molecular techniques for algal bioengineering.