CRISP-CasR9
Establishment of a CRISPR-Cas9 system for genetic modification of filamentous fungi at TH OWL Lemgo
The bacterial CRISPR-Cas9 system is a powerful tool for genome editing. It enables targeted double-strand breaks in DNA, thereby facilitating efficient genetic manipulation. This method had not yet been established for the mold Stachybotrys chartarum. S. chartarum is commonly found in moisture-damaged cellulose materials, such as building materials, and produces highly cytotoxic mycotoxins.
To establish CRISPR-Cas9 at TH OWL, a knockout experiment was conducted: a selected gene in S. chartarum (IBT40293) was specifically switched off to investigate its function. The resulting mutant showed an altered phenotype compared to the wild type – it did not form black conidial spores and appeared lighter in color.
Sponsor: TH OWL
Funding program: Internal research funding
Cooperation partner: Technical University of Denmark, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Lyngby, Denmark.
Duration: 9 months
Project management: Prof. Dr. Sebastian Ulrich
Project participants / contact persons: Prof. Dr. Sebastian Ulrich, Dr. Jens Pfannebecker