First results published from major algal gene sequencing project

An international team of more than 100 scientists have taken a major step towards unlocking the secrets of some of Earth's tiniest but most important organisms.

A new study led by the University of East Anglia reveals that different species of microscopic algae can behave in strikingly different ways because of their genetics.

The team hope the findings could lead to breakthroughs in biotechnology - from cleaner fuels and carbon capture systems to advanced nanotechnology for medical treatments and sensors.

The 100 Diatom Genomes Project, led by Prof Thomas Mock from UEA's School of Environmental Sciences, is the largest algal genome sequencing project to date.

Its aim is to sequence the genomes of 100 diatom species - a class of microalgae - to provide insights into their roles in capturing carbon dioxide and as the foundation of diverse aquatic food webs.

The first paper from the project, published today in the journal PLOS Biology, shows that different types of diatoms can behave in very different ways. And that these differences are probably linked to their varied genetics and the complexity of their cell structures.

Uncovering new biological processes

It is hoped the work may uncover new biological processes, unique ways that diatoms have adapted to survive in different environments, and previously unknown relationships with other organisms living inside or alongside them.

It could also identify useful genes and biological traits that could be used in biotechnology, such as developing new products, improving industrial processes, or creating innovative solutions through genetic engineering and synthetic biology.

Prof Mock, of UEA's School of Environmental Sciences, said: "Diatoms are found in nearly all marine and freshwater habitats and are the most species-rich algal class, with at least 100,000 species.

"They are important to the world's eco-system and contribute to 20 per cent of global carbon fixation and oxygen production. They also help move carbon from the surface of the ocean to the deep sea, where it can be stored for long periods.

"By comparing the genetic information of diatoms that live in different environments, we hope to better understand how these organisms function, evolve and develop the traits that make them so successful and important to life on Earth, as well as how species are connected.

Helping us understand how ecosystems respond to change

"Ultimately, this could help scientists build models that predict everything from how individual cells behave to how entire ecosystems respond to environmental change. "These insights are also critical for advancing diatom-based biotechnology, for example nanotechnology for sensor development and drug delivery, and synthetic biology platforms for the production of nutraceuticals, such as antioxidants and dietary supplements, as well as biofuels and carbon capture."

Previously scientists have only studied the genomes, or genetic blueprints, of about 10 diatom species in detail, meaning the ability to harness their unique biology has been very limited.

A huge international collaboration

To address this, researchers created the 100 Diatom Genomes Project, bringing together more than 100 scientists from 11 countries to study the genetics of a much wider range of species and create a large collection of genetic information and biological data for diatoms, which are some of the world's most important microscopic plants.

The three-year project involved almost 30 collaborating institutions, including the Earlham Institute and Marine Biological Association in the UK.

The scientists are also going beyond their original goal of sequencing 100 diatom genomes, by combining the data with genetic information collected by other research groups around the world.

"Creating a shared system for describing and categorising these traits will make it easier for researchers around the world to compare diatom species and combine their findings," said Prof Mock.

"Early results suggest that bringing all of this information together is working well and could lead to many exciting discoveries."

Funded by the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI), the project reflects JGI's interest in algal research for bioenergy production and algae's roles in nutrient cycling.

'The 100 Diatom Genomes Project' is published in the journal PLOS Biology.

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