Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
09:56
CRISPR-mediated Genome Editing of the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Published on: November 14, 2018
Highly efficient gene targeting in the Aspergillus niger kusA mutant
Vera Meyer1, Mark Arentshorst, Aymen El-Ghezal
1Leiden University, Institute of Biology Leiden, Molecular Microbiology, Wassenaarseweg 64, 2333 AL Leiden, The Netherlands.
Journal of Biotechnology
|February 6, 2007
Summary
Deleting the kusA gene in Aspergillus niger significantly boosts gene targeting efficiency to over 80%, aiding functional genomics and improving the fungus for industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Fungal Genetics
Background:
- Gene targeting in Aspergillus niger is inefficient, limiting functional genomics.
- The Ku70 protein (encoded by kusA) is crucial for DNA repair in eukaryotes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance gene targeting efficiency in Aspergillus niger.
- To investigate the role of the kusA gene in homologous recombination and DNA repair.
Main Methods:
- Gene deletion of kusA in Aspergillus niger.
- Homologous integration efficiency assessment using 500bp flanks.
- Analysis of heterokaryon formation frequency.
- Sensitivity testing to X-ray and UV irradiation.
Main Results:
- Deletion of kusA increased homologous integration efficiency from 7% to over 80%.
- DeltakusA strain showed 70% heterokaryon formation frequency when disrupting essential genes.
- DeltakusA strains exhibited increased sensitivity to X-ray and UV radiation.
- No significant impact on fungal growth was observed.
Conclusions:
- The DeltakusA strain is a powerful tool for highly efficient gene targeting in Aspergillus niger.
- This advancement facilitates systematic gene knockout generation and enhances Aspergillus niger's industrial potential.
- Understanding kusA function aids in developing genetically modified fungi for producing valuable compounds.
