| 摘要 |
The present invention is directed at a novel method to enhance the genetic improvement of industrial microorganisms. More specifically, the present invention is directed at molecular methods for the identification of genetic variants that contribute to the genetic improvement of the microorganisms. The methods of the present invention comprise novel approaches for identifying genetic markers that linked to said genetic variants, and for using said genetic markers to select improved industrial microorganisms. In one of the embodiments, the genetic markers linked to said genetic variants are identified in microbial populations that are subjected to directed evolution. In another embodiment the genetic markers linked to said genetic variants are identified in microbial sub populations that have been prescreened for improved characteristics. The primary benefits of the use of the methods of the present invention include the speeding up of the directed evolution process for the genetic improvement of industrial microorganisms and the enhancement of the improvement itself. Indeed the improved industrial microorganisms obtained with the methods of the present invention are superior over those obtained by conventional methods because the methods allow more beneficial genetic variants to be combined together in a single genetic improvement step. Finally, it is anticipated that the methods of the present invention can be utilized on any industrial microorganism for which natural genetic diversity is available, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi and algae. |
