title: Draft genome sequence and genetic transformation of the oleaginous alga Nannochloropis gaditana.
abstract: The potential use of algae in biofuels applications is receiving significant attention. However, none of the current algal model species are competitive production strains. Here we present a draft genome sequence and a genetic transformation method for the marine microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana CCMP526. We show that N. gaditana has highly favourable lipid yields, and is a promising production organism. The genome assembly includes nuclear (~29 Mb) and organellar genomes, and contains 9,052 gene models. We define the genes required for glycerolipid biogenesis and detail the differential regulation of genes during nitrogen-limited lipid biosynthesis. Phylogenomic analysis identifies genetic attributes of this organism, including unique stramenopile photosynthesis genes and gene expansions that may explain the distinguishing photoautotrophic phenotypes observed. The availability of a genome sequence and transformation methods will facilitate investigations into N. gaditana lipid biosynthesis and permit genetic engineering strategies to further improve this naturally productive alga.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA.
authors.forename: Randor
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Radakovits
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Jinkerson
authors.forename: Susan I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Fuerstenberg
authors.forename: Hongseok
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tae
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Settlage
authors.forename: Jeffrey L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Boore
authors.forename: Matthew C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Posewitz
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D016678:Genome; D008055:Lipids / Q000096:biosynthesis; D058086:Microalgae / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010788:Photosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D010802:Phylogeny; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D058009:Stramenopiles / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D014170:Transformation, Genetic
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids