Biosynthesis and Accumulation of Storage Lipid
We are studying the molecular mechanisms of oil accumulation in microalgae. In particular, we aim at identifying master regulators of oil biosynthetic pathways in order to maximize the capacity of lipid production by microalgae (biodiesel).
Certain unicellular algae species (e.g. Chlorella) accumulate up to 60% oil on a dry weight basis when cultivated under stress conditions such as nitrogen depletion. This microalgal oil could be used for biodiesel production. It is estimated that microalgae can produce 10 times more oil per surface area compared to major terrestrial crops such as sunflower and rapeseed that are currently used for biofuel production.
Two approaches are currently used in the lab. The first one aims at dissecting the metabolic pathways of oil accumulation and their regulations in cells using genetic tools available in model organisms such as the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the plant Arabidopsis thaliana or the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genes of interest are identified and their level of expression altered in order to boost oil accumulation. The second approach involves exploring the natural diversity of algae species to identify strains with high oil accumulation capacities.