Identification of regulatory networks related to lipid accumulation in the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Abstract

Microalgae have a high potential as a feedstock for sustainable production of biofuels and chemicals. It stands out for the high capacity of lipid biosynthesis, however it is not a commercially feasible option yet, due to high concentrations of lipids and high biomass productivity are inversely correlated in most of microalgae species. However, in this condition, the cells are induced a cell quiescence phase where divisions are interrupted. Previous studies used overexpression and inactivation approaches of specific genes found in biochemical pathways of lipids and starch biosynthesis, in order to increase TAGs production. However, most of these studies did not achieve the expected success and they did not contribute to sustainable actions for bioenergy generation. A study using integration of "omic" data in a systems biology approach can generate comprehensive information in order to understanding complex phenomena, such as lipids accumulation. In this proposal, we aim to investigate the biological and regulatory networks involved in the accumulation of lipids in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in response to N deprivation. For this purpose, we intend to use integrative analysis of profiling gene transcripts of transcription factors and regulatory factors, the total and regulatory proteome and metabolome of cells in a time series approach and photoautotrophic conditions. This holistic understanding of metabolism can bring the necessary advance to microalgae be used in the future as a commercial lipid raw material.