Keywords
L-citrulline; C. glutamicum; transformation; gene knockout; carbamoyl phosphate
Abstract
L-citrulline is a crucial amino acid involved in nitric oxide production, which supports cardiovascular health, physical performance, and intestinal well-being. Nitric oxide deficiency is linked to conditions like hypertension, highlighting the need for efficient L-citrulline production. This study attempts to enhance L-citrulline synthesis in Corynebacterium glutamicum, a bacterium widely used in industrial amino acid production, as well as test a The hypothesis is that overexpressing carAB, which encodes carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, will increase carbamoyl phosphate levels and boost L-citrulline production. Two C. glutamicum strains were used: a wild type and the CRBG strain, which has mutations that promote L-citrulline accumulation. Both strains were transformed with a plasmid containing carAB, and their production was evaluated in glucose media and a simulated human small intestine environment. Preliminary results suggest that carAB overexpression enhances L-citrulline production, with the CRBG strain showing higher yields. Additionally, C. glutamicum adapts effectively to gut-like conditions, indicating its potential as a probiotic capable of producing therapeutic metabolites directly in the human gut. This work attempts to contribute to microbial engineering for health applications, paving the way for potential C. glutamicum-based probiotics to address cardiovascular diseases and improve gut health through sustainable L-citrulline production.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Fall
Thesis Chair
Ambivero, Camilla
College
College of Medicine
Department
Biomedical Science
Thesis Discipline
Microbiology
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Ghulldu, Simran S., "Optimization Of L-Citrulline Production In Corynebacterium Glutamicum, And The Effect Of The Human Small Intestine Environment" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 273.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/273
Rights Statement
