CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing in Aspergillus: From Pathogenesis to Metabolic Engineering

The genus Aspergillus comprises over 600 species of filamentous fungi. This genus significantly impacts human health, food fermentation, and industrial biotechnology. With the in-depth research and applications of Aspergillus species in many fields, the establishment of efficient gene editing technologies is crucial for functional genomics studies and cell factory development. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and associated protein (CRISPR-Cas9) system, as a newly developed and powerful genome editing tool, has demonstrated exceptional potential for precise genetic modifications in various Aspergillus species. The continuous advancement of CRISPR-Cas9 technology has enabled precise gene editing and modification in both pathogenic and industrial Aspergillus strains, thereby driving innovations in pathogenicity attenuation, metabolic engineering, and functional genomics. Therefore, this review provides a concise overview of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, detailing its composition, working mechanism, and key functional features such as the role of the Cas9 protein and the protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs). Subsequently, we focus on the transformative applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in Aspergillus species, discussing its pivotal roles in elucidating pathogenic mechanisms, disrupting mycotoxin biosynthesis, and employing metabolic engineering to enhance the production of industrial enzymes, organic acids, and valuable natural products. Finally, we discuss future challenges and promising opportunities for applying CRISPR-Cas9 technology to advance the industrial biotechnology of Aspergillus species.