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Genetic Engineering of an Unconventional Yeast for Renewable Biofuel and Biochemical Production
Published on: September 20, 2016
Tunable nano-oleosomes derived from engineered Yarrowia lipolytica
Zhenlin Han1, Catherine Madzak, Wei Wen Su
1Department of Molecular Biosciences & Bioengineering, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|October 26, 2012
Summary
Researchers engineered functional oleosomes (lipid bodies) in yeast by fusing proteins to oleosins. This creates a versatile nanoparticle platform for biotechnology applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Oleosomes are lipid-droplet organelles with a protein-embedded phospholipid monolayer.
- Their structure is amenable to various biotechnological modifications.
- Oleaginous yeast, such as Yarrowia lipolytica, are suitable hosts for oleosome biosynthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile method for biosynthesizing functionalized oleosomes in Yarrowia lipolytica.
- To demonstrate the utility of oleosin fusion proteins for surface display on engineered oleosomes.
- To create a tunable nanoparticle platform for biotechnology.
Main Methods:
- Expression of oleosin fusion proteins (sesame oleosin with mCherry or cohesin) in Yarrowia lipolytica.
- Isolation of engineered oleosomes via flotation centrifugation.
- Characterization of oleosome size, stability, and functionality of displayed proteins.
- Demonstration of co-display and functional activity of multiple proteins.
Main Results:
- Oleosin fusion proteins were efficiently expressed and targeted to oleosome surfaces.
- Engineered Yarrowia oleosomes (200-300 nm) were stable and easily separated.
- Displayed mCherry and cohesin domains were functional.
- Co-display of multiple proteins, including cell-targeting and reporting functionalities, was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Yarrowia lipolytica can be engineered to produce functionalized oleosomes displaying proteins on their surface.
- Oleosin serves as an effective anchor for surface display, creating a tunable nanoparticle platform.
- This system offers a promising, simple approach for developing novel nanoparticles for diverse applications.
