NPIF: Developing and utilizing a transgene-free genome editing toolbox for enhancing the production of high value carotenoids in algae

开发新的分子/遗传工具和技术对于生产具有商业竞争力的色素至关重要，例如工业生物技术中的类胡萝卜素，以便摆脱不可持续的自然资源提取或环境昂贵的合成化学。虾青素是最有商业价值的类胡萝卜素之一。它被用作饲料补充剂，以提高鲑鱼，虾，蟹和鸡肉产品中的红色素。此外，虾青素因其抗氧化活性被广泛用作人类的膳食补充剂。目前市场上以合成虾青素为主。由于合成版本包含具有高度不同生物活性/色素沉着的立体异构体的混合物，因此对天然，更有效的产品的需求不断增加。微藻是工业生物技术中极具价值的平台。然而，目前可用的遗传工具数量有限(1)，包括序列特异性突变的产生（2,3），往往阻碍了其全部潜力的实现。该项目将开发一个高度特异性、无转基因的基因组编辑工具箱，以增强虾青素在微藻中的生物生成，并优化其在微藻光生物反应器系统中的生产。它将受益于微藻的分子和遗传改良以及微藻养殖的专业知识。开发一种高度可定制的基因组编辑技术将为修改任何生物合成途径以及用无转基因设计藻类生产高价值的生物化学品铺平道路。我们的项目将为培养学术界和工业界的核心研究技能以及优秀的跨学科研究培训提供框架，包括沟通和公众参与技能。该学生将受益于英国领先的研究机构和创新公司的资源和专业知识-即爱丁堡大学和苏格兰生物能源公司。

Developing new molecular/genetic tools and technologies are essential for the production of commercially competitive pigments, such as carotenoids in industrial biotechnology in order to move away from unsustainable extraction of natural sources or environmentally costly synthetic chemistry. One of the most commercially valuable carotenoids is astaxanthin. It is used as a feed supplement to enhance red pigments in salmon, shrimp, crab and chicken products. In addition, astaxanthin is widely used as a dietary supplement for humans due to its antioxidant activity. The current market is dominated by synthetic astaxanthin. Since the synthetic version contains a mixture of stereoisomers with highly varying biological activity/pigmentation, there is increasing demand for natural, more efficient products.Microalgae are highly valuable platforms in industrial biotechnology. However, the limited number of currently available genetic tools (1), including the generation of sequence-specific mutations (2, 3), often prevents realisation of their full potential. This project will develop a highly-specific, and transgene-free genome editing toolbox in order to enhance astaxhantin biogenesis in microalgae and optimise its production in microalgal photobioreactor systems. It will benefit from both molecular and genetic improvement of microalgae as well as expertise in algal microfarming.Developing a highly customisable genome editing technology would pave the path to modify any biosynthetic pathway and to produce high value biochemicals with transgene-free designer algae.Our project will provide the framework to develop core research skills both in academia and in industry as well as excellent cross-disciplinary research training, including skills in communication and public engagement. The student will benefit from the resources and expertise of a leading UK research institute and an innovative company - namely the University of Edinburgh and Scottish Bioenergy.