A NOVEL GENE TRANSFER IN PORPHYRA

Lin, C. M. 1 , Larsen, J. 1 , Yarish, C. 2 & Chen, T. 11 Biotechnology Center, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269; 2 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269 Foreign genes have been successfully transferred into both animal and plant by transgenesis, but introduction of foreign genes into many important algae species is still in its infancy. Although nuclear and organellar transformations in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a green microalgal species, have been well established, attempts to develop transformation methods for microalgae, notably the colonial green alga Volvox carteri and several diatom species have just begun. Currently, there is no report of success of genetic transformation in the commercially important red algae, Porphyra. To facilitate applications of seaweed in both basic research and integrated aquaculture biotechnology, we have undertaken initiatives to develop gene transfer technology for Porphyra, and made significant progress. A plasmid DNA with a selection marker was transferred into archaeospores of P. leucosticta by electroporation. Total DNA was then prepared from those electroporated samples at various times of incubation including 24 hrs, one week, two weeks and up to eight weeks. PCR analysis showed the consistent presence of plasmid DNA in all samples tested, strongly suggesting the success of gene transfer in Porphyra. The thalli developed from those transformed archaeospores grow well under continuous presence of selection pressure. These observations provide us with great confidence that we will be able to perform gene transfer studies for Porphyra and produce transgenic Porphyra thalli.