New gene tool cracks open red algae's cell division secrets
Borges-Rodríguez Y, Stark MR, Kerckhofs E, Mueller J, Lauersen KJ
Crispr
The algae growing in hot springs and shallow tide pools you might pass on a hike belong to the same ancient lineage as this lab organism, and understanding how their cells divide sheds light on how early photosynthetic life evolved to split and multiply.
Researchers working with a tiny red alga wanted a better way to swap genes in and out of its cells, like a genetic screwdriver. They found that a gene called SUL, borrowed from plants and green algae, works well as a marker to spot which cells got the edit. Using it, they fixed a broken gene and proved that gene controls how big the alga's cells grow before dividing.
Key Findings
The sul1 gene, which confers sulfadiazine resistance, works as a new selectable marker (SUL) for genetically modifying Cyanidioschyzon merolae.
Researchers used SUL paired with a fluorescent mVenus tag to confirm successful gene integration via homologous recombination at a neutral genomic site.
SUL was used to repair a kinase gene (CmClk2), restoring normal cell size and confirming the gene's role in regulating the cell division cycle.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists found a new genetic tool that lets researchers precisely edit a single-celled red alga used in lab research, helping them figure out which genes control cell division. The tool worked well enough to fix a broken gene and restore normal cell size.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Beyond CAT, BSD, and URA: SUL, A novel selectable marker for Cyanidioschyzon merolae.
The unicellular red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae is a valuable model organism for studying pre-mRNA splicing, stress adaptation, and biotechnological applications. However, the limited availability...
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