S103: Triacylglycerol Biosynthesis in Rhodococcus: Lessons Learned from Genomics and Genetics

Biodiesel derived from triacylglycerols (TAGs) can be produced by all oleaginous microorganisms such as yeast, fungi, bacteria, and algae. The Sinskey Laboratory has been utilizing both a genetic and genomic approach to study TAG metabolism in bacteria using Rhodococcus opacus PD630 as our primary investigative organism. We will describe how we have been able to genetically modify R. opacus PD630 to utilize mixed sugars as well as glycerol. Studies on cellulosic feedstocks will also be presented.  In addition, we have isolated several genes that control lipid body assembly, and a key metabolic gene whose function appears to regulate redox pools thus regulating fatty acid biosynthesis, and hence TAG metabolism, to lipid bodies.