Ulva
Genomics
The Ulva genome project resulted in the first publication of a green seaweed genome (De Clerck et al., 2018). Ulva compressa/mutabilis has a relatively small haploid genome (98.5 Mbp) containing 12,924 protein-coding genes. This resource facilitates our work on molecular tool development and functional biology.
The Ulva compressa/mutabilis genome is available on ORCAE.
We are currently improving and expanding our genomic resources for Ulva compressa/mutabilis by generating the first chromosome-level assembly using high-quality ONT and Hi-C data.
Molecular tools
Ulva is becoming a unique model for seaweed functional biology. One of our core activities is to develop efficient molecular tools for generation of Ulva gain- and loss-of-function mutants. We work with the GreenGate cloning system (Lampropoulos et al., 2013 PLOS ONE). Transformant selection is possible with antibiotic resistance cassettes that confer resistance to Phleomycin (BleR) or Blasticidin (BlastR). The resistance cassettes are incorporated in various destination vectors and we have many building blocks that allow efficient generation of expression vectors.
These molecular tools allow to generate vectors for stable expression of (tagged) transgenes, but also other applications such as vector-based genome editing using CRISPR/Cas.
We are continuously improving and expanding our toolkit and protocols.
Carbon concentrating mechanisms
Seaweeds are primary producers, so they capture carbon (CO2 and HCO3-) from seawater and convert this to the biomass we eat and the oxygen we breathe. We still do not understand the cellular process controlling carbon fixation in seaweeds. Ulva species form nuisance blooms (green tides) and have a spectacular growth potential. This makes them the ideal model species to address these fundamental questions.
In this project, we use gene-tagging and other molecular techniques to understand carbon concentrating mechanisms of Ulva from a molecular point of view.
Automated phenotyping
We develop tools for automated tracking of Ulva growth. The in-house in vitro growth imaging system ("IGIS") allows to monitor area over time at hourly intervals, a resolution which allows us to detect difference in growth rate during the day versus the night. Using an AI-model to detect the surface area of each individual seaweed, we can further automate the detection of growth over time.
In combination with the fully synthetic medium, we can easily test the effect of abiotic factors on Ulva growth.
Team Ulva
Protocols
Ulva specific protocols we use in the lab.