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<a href = "https://3c1703fe8d.site.internapcdn.net/newman/gfx/news/hires/2018/49-scientistsfi.jpg" title = "Culture of unicellular red algae C. merolae in the laboratory. Credit: Sousuke Imamura ">
Culture of unicellular red algae C. merolae in the laboratory. Credit: Sousuke Imamura
The results of a collaborative study conducted by the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the University of Tohoku, Japan, suggest a large-scale production of starch derived from algae, a valuable bioressource for biofuels and other renewable materials. These bioproducts have the potential to replace fossil fuels and contribute to the development of sustainable systems and societies.
A "switch" controlling the level of starch in seaweed was discovered by a research team led by Sousuke Imamura at the Laboratory of Chemistry and Life Sciences of the Institute of Innovative Research in the US. Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech).
Reported in The journal of plantsThe study focused on the unicellular red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae. The researchers demonstrated that the starch content of C. merolae could be dramatically increased by inactivation of the TOR (target of rapamycin), a protein kinase known to play an important role in cell growth.
They observed a noticeable increase in starch level 12 hours after inactivation of TOR by exposure to rapamycin, which resulted in a remarkable ten-fold increase after 48 hours.
It is important to note that the study details a mechanism underlying this profound increase in starch content. Using a method called liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS), researchers examined subtle changes in the structure of more than 50 proteins that may be involved in "activation" of the protein. Starch accumulation process. As a result, they identified GLG1 as a key protein of interest. GLG1 acts similarly to glycogenin, an enzyme found in yeasts and animal cells, known to be involved in the initiation of starch synthesis (or glycogen).
<a href = "https://3c1703fe8d.site.internapcdn.net/newman/gfx/news/hires/2018/50-scientistsfi.jpg" title = "Compared to the control, inactivation of TOR resulted about ten fold increase in starch content in C. merolae after 48 hours. Credit: Sousuke Imamura ">
Compared to the control, the inactivation of TOR resulted in a tenfold increase in starch content in C. merolae after 48 hours. Credit: Sousuke Imamura
This mechanism will be of immense interest to a wide range of industries seeking to increase the production of biofuels and value-added biochemicals.
For example, the results could accelerate the production of environmentally friendly fuels, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and bioplastics additives that are now in great demand with the phasing out of plastic bags and straws for single use in many parts of the world.
Algae, compared to terrestrial plants, are very attractive because of their high photosynthetic productivity and relative ease of cultivation. Starch, triacylglycerols (TAGs) and other constituents of algal biomass are increasingly seen as a promising and powerful way to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations.
The phosphorylation status of GLG1, which is regulated by the discrete signaling, determines the ON / OFF switch for starch accumulation in the cells. Starch is a good carbon resource for applied chemicals in a wide range of industries. (& # 39; P & quot; Phosphorylation.) Credit: Sousuke Imamura
The research team notes that more studies using other algal species, as well as higher plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana, could provide additional information on the fundamental molecular mechanisms of human accumulation. 'starch. "This information will help develop technologies to improve the productivity of starch biosynthesis and, at the same time, improve the sustainable production of biomass and bioenergy," Imamura said.
Explore further:
Scientists identify enzyme that could accelerate biofuel production
More information:
Imran Pancha et al., Targeting rapamycin signaling (TOR) modulates starch accumulation via the phosphorylation status of glycogenin in the red unicellular alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae, The journal of plants (2018). DOI: 10.1111 / tpd.14136
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