Heterologous expression of AtLEC1 and AtLEC1-LIKE transcription factors redirects carbon flux toward lipid accumulation in diatom.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Microalgal biodiesel is a key fossil fuel alternative, but enhancing lipid accumulation via single metabolic gene overexpression is often ineffective. Transcription factor engineering overcomes this by coordinating multiple metabolic pathways. To address the unexplored role of LEC1-type transcription factors in diatoms, we engineered the euryhaline and psychrotolerant biodiesel candidate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum through heterologous expression of the key plant lipid regulators AtLEC1 and AtL1L.

Results

Codon-optimized genes driven by the endogenous fcpA promoter were integrated into the nuclear genome, with regulators localization confirmed in the nucleus. Crucially, AtL1L transformants exhibited significant redirection of carbon flux from carbohydrates to

SUBMITTER: Chen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12801889 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature