1st ed. 2020 Edition
by Alvaro R. Lara (Editor), Guillermo Gosset (Editor)
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the design, generation
and characterization of minimal cell systems. Written by leading
experts, it presents an in-depth analysis of the current issues and
challenges in the field, including recent advances in the generation and
characterization of reduced-genome strains generated from model
organisms with relevance in biotechnology, and basic research such as Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum and
yeast. It also discusses methodologies, such as bottom-up and top-down
genome minimization strategies, as well as novel analytical and
experimental approaches to characterize and generate minimal cells.
Lastly, it presents the latest research related to minimal cells of
serveral microorganisms, e.g. Bacillus subtilis.
The design
of biological systems for biotechnological purposes employs strategies
aimed at optimizing specific tasks. This approach is based on enhancing
certain biological functions while reducing other capacities that are
not required or that could be detrimental to the desired objective. A
highly optimized cell factory would be expected to have only the
capacity for reproduction and for performing the expected task. Such a
hypothetical organism would be considered a minimal cell. At present,
numerous research groups in academia and industry are exploring the
theoretical and practical implications of constructing and using minimal
cells and are providing valuable fundamental insights into the
characteristics of minimal genomes, leading to an understanding of the
essential gene set. In addition, research in this field is providing
valuable information on the physiology of minimal cells and their
utilization as a biological chassis to which useful biotechnological
functions can be added.
