Genetically engineering symbiotic algae to enhance marine resilience

Photosymbiosis is the partnership between animals and photosynthetic microorganisms, such as the relationship between corals and algae. Conserving marine ecosystems threatened by warming and acidification requires the ability to identify genetic traits in algae that are related to resilience, such as heat tolerance or the capacity to colonize a host. Despite decades of research, most symbiotic algae cannot be cultured apart from their hosts, and existing tools cannot genetically transform algae with resilient genes at the scale needed to restore ecosystems. Focusing on tropical reefs, this research team will leverage new technologies to test culture conditions for coral symbionts and to manipulate genes that may play a key role in heat tolerance. By addressing these key bottlenecks through engineering and biological approaches, the team aims to enable broader research into symbiotic algal relationships and enhance their role in supporting ocean resilience.