Research into algae gene could aid fishing industry

STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA





Marine biologists at National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) have identified a gene, called “ScDSP,” that can control cell death in algae, sources at Keelung City university said.

Researchers said the findings could help predict declines in algae populations, which could help the fishing industry.

In addition, by manipulating the expression of the gene, scientists might be able to trigger the death of the carbon-absorbing organisms, which could reduce greenhouse gases in a given area by causing them to sink.

The team, led by Chang Jeng (張正) of the Institute of Marine Biology, first reported the discovery of ScDSP in a diatom — Skeletonema costatum — in the December 2005 issue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

Another paper to be published soon by the journal explains the team’s work on an ScDSP-based molecular probe that can predict cell death, or apoptosis, in algae, Chang said on Thursday.

Chang said the research could help the aquaculture industry predict mass die-offs of algae, which are a food source for fish. If large-scale losses of algae could be predicted, measures could be taken to stem the effects, he said.

In addition, scientists have been developing a method to deploy algae to capture greenhouse gases, Chang said. If the ScDSP gene can be manipulated, it would allow for controlled death in the algae, causing them to sink to the seabed along with carbon particles.