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Electroporation-Mediated Gene Delivery in Pyropia yezoensis (Rhodophyta) Without Cell Wall Removal
Hikari Izumi1,2, Toshiki Uji3, Kojiro Matsumoto4
1Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan. h-izumi@hirosaki-u.ac.jp.
Marine Biotechnology (New York, N.Y.)
|August 16, 2025
Summary
This study demonstrates successful gene delivery into red macroalgae Pyropia yezoensis using electroporation without cell wall removal. Antibiotic resistance genes were introduced, enabling genetic transformation in this important seaweed.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biotechnology
- Phycology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Genetic transformation of red macroalgae, such as Pyropia yezoensis, is crucial for developing improved strains.
- Conventional gene delivery methods often require cell wall removal, which can be challenging and detrimental to algal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of electroporation as a gene delivery method in Pyropia yezoensis without prior cell wall removal.
- To establish a foundational gene transfer technique for genetic engineering in red macroalgae.
Main Methods:
- Electroporation was employed to introduce an antibiotic resistance gene into intact Pyropia yezoensis tissues.
- Selection of transformed cells was performed using the corresponding antibiotic.
- Genomic DNA analysis confirmed the presence of the introduced genes in resistant germlings.
Main Results:
- Germlings survived antibiotic selection only in tissues that underwent electroporation, indicating successful gene transfer.
- Antibiotic resistance genes were confirmed in the genomic DNA of selected germlings.
- Expression of reporter genes (GUS, GFP) was not detected under the tested conditions.
Conclusions:
- Electroporation is a viable method for delivering genes into Pyropia yezoensis cells while preserving their cell walls.
- This study presents the first report of successful gene transfer via electroporation in a macroalga without cell wall removal.
- The findings support the development of efficient genetic transformation systems for red macroalgae.
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