Project description
Carotenoid production by phytoplankton
Carotenoids are natural pigments found in plants, algae, and some bacteria, providing vibrant colours to fruits, vegetables, and flowers. These compounds are crucial in photosynthesis and function as antioxidants, safeguarding cells against oxidative stress and free radical damage. However, their complex biosynthesis poses a challenge to producing sufficient yields for commercial use. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SORTED project aims to use microalgae and especially diatoms to produce carotenoids. Researchers will focus on specific enzymes and redesign biosynthetic pathways to improve carotenoid yield. The project is expected to unlock new insights into diatom biotechnology, paving the way for advanced applications in both industry and research.
Objective
Carotenoids, prized for their antioxidant properties, are essential precursors for crucial human vitamins and, in plants and algae, they play roles in light absorption and photoprotection against excessive light-induced damage to photosynthesis. However, it is very challenging to achieve carotenoid market- required yields. Carotenoids complex chemical synthesis in fact, limits the possibility to obtain them artificially while in plants (i.e. the main natural producers) excessive carotenoids in chloroplasts can disrupt thylakoid membranes, making biotechnological manipulation aimed to increase carotenoid yield particularly hard.
To address this problem, a sustainable approach is crucial, and microalgae offer a promising solution as natural, scalable carotenoid producers. A novel strategy involves repurposing cellular factories to overcome chloroplast limitations for carotenoid biosynthesis and accumulation. Diatoms, like Phaeodactylum tricornutum, are ideal candidates due to their multiple cellular compartments, including the periplastidial compartment (PPC), suitable for carotenoid storage, and access to precursors synthesized through various cellular pathways.
Moreover, diatoms excel as synthetic biology platforms with efficient genetic tools, modular DNA assembly, and genome editing capabilities.
The SORTED project aims to advance understanding through a multifaceted approach. Firstly, we will investigate prenyltransferases (PTSs) in P. tricornutum's cytosol to unveil their role in carotenoid precursor synthesis (Objective 1). Subsequently, rational redesign will enable the extraplastidial relocation of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway (Objective 2). Furthermore, we will assess the physiological implications of genetic modifications on performance (Objective 3). Through SORTED, we anticipate gaining innovative insights into diatom carotenoid production, revolutionizing both biotechnology and our fundamental understanding of cellular dynamics.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
5230 Odense M
Denmark
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