Modified photosynthetic microorganisms for producing lipids

US9523096B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Matrix Genetics, LLC · US

Inventors

• James Roberts · Seattle, US
• Fred Cross · Seattle, US
• Margaret Mary McCormick · Seattle, US
• Ernesto Javier Munoz · Seattle, US
• Brett K. Kaiser · Seattle, US
• Michael Carleton · Princeton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 19, 2011
• Grant date: Dec 20, 2016
• Expiry date: Nov 13, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P20/52
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This disclosure describes genetically modified photosynthetic microorganisms, e.g., Cyanobacteria, that overexpress an acyl carrier protein (ACP), an acyl-ACP synthase (Aas), or both, optionally in combination with one or more overexpressed or exogenous lipid biosynthesis proteins, and/or one or more overexpressed or exogenous glycogen breakdown proteins. Exemplary biosynthesis proteins include diacyglycerol acyltransferases, thioesterases, phosphatidate phosphatases, phospholipases, triacylglycerol (TAG) hydrolases, fatty acyl-CoA synthetases, and/or acetyl-CoA carboxylases, including combinations thereof. Also included are photosynthetic microorganisms comprising mutations or deletions in a glycogen biosynthesis or storage pathway, which accumulate a reduced amount of glycogen under reduced nitrogen conditions as compared to a wild type photosynthetic microorganism. The modified photosynthetic microorganisms provided herein are capable of producing increased amounts of lipids such as fatty acids and/or synthesizing triglycerides.