Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have uncovered how tiny oxygen-producing microbes adapt to harsh environments. Their study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals a new method to identify genetic changes that boost microbial resilience, with potential applications in biofuel production and climate research.
The team used CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), a gene-silencing tool, to adjust gene activity in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002, a photosynthetic cyanobacterium found in oceans. By testing how these microbes responded to varying light and temperature conditions, they found that subtle genetic modifications, turning genes down but not off, enhanced survival in extreme settings like heat or cold.
“Small genetic changes can lead to significant fitness gains when microbes face stressful conditions,” explained Jerome Fox, a co-lead author and associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. The study also honored the legacy of Jeff Cameron, a late biochemist whose passion for cyanobacteria inspired the research.
“Understanding these microbes is vital because they generate much of Earth’s oxygen,” said Andrew Hren, the study’s first author. Fox added, “CRISPRi’s precision helps us engineer microbes for renewable chemicals and other innovations.”
The findings pave the way for designing hardier synthetic microbes to address climate challenges and produce sustainable fuels. Future work will explore how cyanobacteria optimize light-to-energy conversion, potentially unlocking new green technologies.
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