Research content
We are conducting research aimed at developing new uses for microalgae, such as searching for new useful microalgae, breeding using genetic engineering technology, and developing culture methods that are expected to be used in the next generation. In addition, by incorporating cutting-edge science and technology through joint research with universities and other companies, we aim to contribute widely to the development of new materials, the improvement of product value, and the reduction of production costs. Furthermore, in anticipation of future utilization, it was derived such as demonstration of cultivation of microalgae Euglena on low-orbit satellites, study of resource recycling method by culture of microalgae in space, application development of comprehensive analysis technology of sulfur compounds, etc. We are also conducting research on the contents.
Message from the director
微細藻類の大量培養、品種改良、そして生産した藻体の商品化のノウハウは当社の強みです。中央研究所 では、それらの強みを強化しつつ、新たな活用方法の創出を主課題とします。特に、微細藻類の品種改良については、これまで技術的に難しかったことが実現可能な時代になったと感じており、我々としても実用的な品種改良を推進し、様々な場面で利用可能な藻類株、及びその株に特化した培養方法を提供していきたいと考えています。微細藻類は光合成をすることから、他の既に産業利用されている従属栄養生物とは異なるユニークな代謝系を保持し、栄養素も豊富です。この微細藻類が備えている特徴を生かした先端的利用方法を提案していきたいと考えています。
中央研究所
共同所長 山田 康嗣
Research case introduction
Utilization of Euglena genome editing technology
In collaboration with RIKEN, the genome editing technology for the microalgae Euglena has been completed, and it has become possible to freely rewrite the genome of Euglena. By utilizing this technology, it has become possible to freely modify the Euglena genome, and we are trying to produce various breeding strains.
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The breeding technology realized by the microalgae Euglena is extremely efficient because more than 70% of the cells of the treated Euglena population are modified despite genome editing that introduces a complex of RNA and protein. .. From this, it is possible to easily carry out genome modification so that the appearance does not change. We have also realized the application of applied methods such as the introduction of large deletion regions and the introduction of short foreign DNA sequences.
Click here for the release at the time of publication of the paper
There are still some hurdles to industrial use of the produced strains, but we are conducting research and development with the aim of producing strains with high fat and oil productivity, strains with high value as feed, and strains with high accumulation of useful ingredients. I am.
ゲノム編集によるDNA塩基配列改変のイメージ
Analysis of Euglena 's sulfur compound metabolism
When the microalgae Euglena produces fats and oils, it produces an odor that is thought to be derived from sulfur compounds, but the metabolic pathways known so far have not been able to explain this phenomenon. To clarify this, we conducted an analysis of sulfur compound metabolism.
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The sulfur metabolism system is attached to the central metabolism system such as glycolysis and TCA cycle, and although the number of constituent compounds is small, it provides very important information by analysis. By using the sulfur index, which is our patented technology, we can obtain information on the amount of these sulfur metabolism system compounds and the amount of polysulfide compounds that strongly reflect the redox state of living organisms.
The microalga Euglena accumulates fats and oils in the form of wax esters when oxygen in the environment is insufficient. When the intracellular state at this time is analyzed by the sulfur index, glutathione and proteins are decomposed and supplied sulfur compounds. Was observed to be metabolized. This will clarify a part of the cause of the odor generated when Euglena produces fats and oils, and it is expected that it will lead to the improvement of the production process and the presentation of breeding methods in the future.Click here for the release at the time of publication of the paper
油脂生産時にユーグレナ細胞内で起こる
硫黄化合物代謝の変化
