Plant biologists and other researchers at UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC San Francisco have sequenced the genome of an important green alga. Scientifically known as Chromochloris zofingiensis, or C. zofingiensis, this single-celled organism could play a powerful role in our health and the production of food and clean energy. As co-senior author Sabeeha Merchant, a UCLA professor of biochemistry, put it, “knowing the genome is like having a ‘dictionary’ of the alga’s approximately 15,000 genes.”
With this knowledge, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of how the alga functions and ask or address fundamental questions in ways not previously possible. These inquiries might be into the green algal lineage, basic biology of green photosynthetic organisms or how to improve commercial production and more. The research was recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
C. zofingiensis produces some of the highest levels of a lipid called triacylglycerols, a preferred lipid precursor for biofuel products, making it one of the most promising biofuel feedstocks for commercial production. Because algae also absorb carbon dioxide, C. zofingiensis in particular can be cultivated on non-arable land and in wastewater.
“Harnessing it as a source for renewable and sustainable biofuels could lead to new ways to produce clean energy,” said Krishna Niyogi, co-senior author of the paper, scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and a Moore Foundation grantee.
This “super green” alga also produces astaxanthin, a powerful, naturally occurring organic carotenoid pigment found in marine plants and animals such as wild salmon. Astaxanthin is known to be one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature and its anti-inflammatory properties have benefits for diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and more. According to the study, because C. zofingiensis grows quickly, can be cultured under many conditions (including with wastewater), and reaches high culture densities, it has a higher potential to meet worldwide demand than other natural sources. These qualities make this important alga a “prime candidate to supply the world with natural astaxanthin and a source of renewable biofuel.”
To assemble the genetic material of C. zofingiensis, the researchers used a hybrid approach of both short and long reads — common approaches in genetic sequencing — and whole-genome optical mapping. By combining these approaches, the scientists were able to yield a high-quality genome that can be further studied and accelerate the production of the green alga. Read more in a story from UC Berkeley here.
In partnership with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the foundation supported 15 of the nation’s most innovative plant scientists to pursue bold research across plant biology. The five-year program launched in 2010. Dr. Krishna Nigoyi was one of these investigators.
“Investigator programs are a robust mechanism for achieving transformational science. These programs provide researchers with the resources and flexibility to pursue innovative, risky research projects with high potential for changing the field,” said Gary Greenburg, program officer at the Moore Foundation.
Read more about the Moore Foundation's plant collaboration grants.
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