Genomic analysis of metabolic diversity in the enigmatic algae Euglena

Euglena are eukaryotic microorganisms (protists) with a unique evolutionary history that has left them with a highly diverse and unusual biosynthetic capability. There are nearly 1000 known species that cover a variety of trophic lifestyles, including photosynthetic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic lineages. These enigmatic species produce many bioactive metabolites used in the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and nutraceuticals, making Euglena a group of interest in industrial applications.

However, little is known about the diversity and distribution of metabolic processes across different Euglena species, or the genetic control and evolutionary history of these pathways in Euglena.

This project will utilise new genomic technologies to generate new Euglena genomes providing a unique opportunity to study new biological questions about Euglena metabolism using comparative genomics. The student will assemble and annotate high-quality Euglena genomes and conduct genomic analyses to 1) Describe the metabolic potential across Euglena species using comparative genomics techniques to compare the metabolic potential of different Euglena species and create a pan genome for the Euglena genus; 2) Determine genomic differences between Euglena species with different lifestyles by investigating the distribution of metabolic pathways, and key components of the cell architecture across the variety of different trophic lifestyles exhibited by the Euglena; and 3) Investigate mechanisms of gene expression control in key metabolic pathways in culturable Euglena species by generating new RNA-Seq and metabolomic data sets from Euglena species in culture to explore how gene control is regulated under various growth conditions.