Oil accumulation by the oleaginous diatom Fistulifera solaris as revealed by the genome and transcriptome

Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Yoshiaki Maeda, Alaguraj Veluchamy, Michihiro Tanaka, Heni Abida, Eric Maréchal, Chris Bowler, Masaki Muto, Yoshihiko Sunaga, Masayoshi Tanaka, Tomoko Yoshino, Takeaki Taniguchi, Yorikane Fukuda, Michiko Nemoto, Mitsufumi Matsumoto, Pui Shan Wong, Sachiyo Aburatani, Wataru Fujibuchi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

117 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Oleaginous photosynthetic organisms such as microalgae are promising sources for biofuel production through the generation of carbon-neutral sustainable energy. However, the metabolic mechanisms driving high-rate lipid production in these oleaginous organisms remain unclear, thus impeding efforts to improve productivity through genetic modifications. We analyzed the genome and transcriptome of the oleaginous diatom Fistulifera solaris JPCC DA0580. Next-generation sequencing technology provided evidence of an allodiploid genome structure, suggesting unorthodox molecular evolutionary and genetic regulatory systems for reinforcing metabolic efficiencies. Although major metabolic pathways were shared with nonoleaginous diatoms, transcriptome analysis revealed unique expression patterns, such as concomitant upregulation of fatty acid/triacylglycerol biosynthesis and fatty acid degradation (b-oxidation) in concert with ATP production. This peculiar pattern of gene expression may account for the simultaneous growth and oil accumulation phenotype and may inspire novel biofuel production technology based on this oleaginous microalga.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)162-176
Number of pages15
JournalPlant Cell
Volume27
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Plant Science
  • Cell Biology

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