Viridos, Inc.

Jessica N Weir

Eric R Moellering

John Verruto

Saheed Imam

Luke Peach

William F Lambert

The invention provides methods of transforming photosynthetic organisms, such as green algae. The methods involve methylating one or more DNA fragments of a DNA construct and transforming the one or more fragments into the photosynthetic organism. The DNA fragments can be the product of a DNA amplification procedure, such as PCR or a PCR-like procedure. In one embodiment the one or more fragments of DNA that comprise a DNA construct are dam methylated prior to being transformed into the photosynthetic organism.

Method of transforming photosynthetic organisms

The invention provides recombinant algal organisms that have a genetic modification to a gene or nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA binding domain. In some embodiments the genetic modification can be a functional deletion or attenuation of the gene. The genetic modification results in a mutant organism with increased lipid productivity and/or higher biomass productivity. The lipid products of these mutants can be utilized as biofuels or to manufacture other specialty products. The recombinant mutants can also, optionally, have a genetic modification to a gene encoding an SGI1 polypeptide. Methods of making and using the recombinant algal mutants and methods of producing lipids are also disclosed.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Jessica N Weir