SPX2 Gene Knockout Microorganism for Triacylglycerol Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inducing triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in microorganisms under phosphorus deficient conditions are not well understood, and there is a need for a microorganism capable of high TAG accumulation in such conditions.
Innovation Solution
A microorganism with a knockout SPX2 gene, which encodes a protein responsive to phosphorus deficiency, is developed by introducing gene mutations that decrease or eliminate the function of the SPX protein, leading to enhanced TAG accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If phosphorus deficiency is applied to induce TAG accumulation in microorganisms, then TAG accumulation is improved, but the molecular mechanism understanding is insufficient and accumulation efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by identifying SPX proteins as key sensors in the phosphorus deficiency response pathway and using this knowledge to design targeted gene knockout strategies. The feedback loop involves: (1) observing TAG accumulation under phosphorus deficiency, (2) identifying the molecular mechanism through SPX protein analysis, (3) manipulating the SPX gene to enhance the effect, and (4) achieving improved TAG accumulation with understood mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the genetic parameter by knocking out the SPX gene to alter the microorganism's response to phosphorus deficiency. This genetic modification changes the sensitivity and response magnitude of the phosphorus deficiency signal, thereby enhancing TAG accumulation beyond what is achieved by environmental conditions alone
2Quantity of substance
If SPX gene knockout is performed to enhance TAG accumulation, then TAG accumulation is improved, but genetic modification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing the SPX gene from the microorganism's genome. This extraction of the specific gene responsible for limiting TAG accumulation under phosphorus deficiency allows the organism to respond more strongly to phosphorus starvation signals, thereby enhancing oil production without requiring complex multi-gene modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the genetic parameter by knocking out the SPX gene to alter the microorganism's response to phosphorus deficiency. This genetic modification changes the sensitivity and response magnitude of the phosphorus deficiency signal, thereby enhancing TAG accumulation beyond what is achieved by environmental conditions alone
Data Source
AI summary
A microorganism having at least one SPX gene encoding SPX protein responsive to phosphorus deficiency, and characterized in that a function of the SPX protein is decreased or lost by introducing gene mutation into the SPX gene.