Korean researchers develop automated genome engineering platform for microbial performance
In South Korea, microorganisms are increasingly being engineered to manufacture valuable compounds ranging from medicines and food ingredients to biofuels and industrial chemicals. However, turning microbes into efficient production platforms requires extensive strain optimization. Finding the right genetic changes to transform an ordinary microbe into a high-performing producer remains a major challenge, as beneficial genetic targets and gene combinations are often hidden within complex cellular networks.
Researchers developed iTARGET (integrated Tn-seq and multiplex automated genome engineering (MAGE)-assisted rapid genome engineering targeting), a novel platform designed to rapidly identify genetic modifications that improve microbial performance. Existing methods can generate genetic variants or identify beneficial mutations, but few can efficiently do both while revealing combinations that enhance production. The researchers set out to create a faster and more effective strategy for uncovering these hidden opportunities for strain improvement.
Category: Research
