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Vanegas KG, Rendsvig JKH, Jarczynska ZD, Cortes MVDCB, van Esch AP, Morera-Gómez M, Contesini FJ, Mortensen UH. A Mad7 System for Genetic Engineering of Filamentous Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010016. [PMID: 36675838 PMCID: PMC9865164 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of CRISPR technologies has revolutionized strain engineering in filamentous fungi. However, its use in commercial applications has been hampered by concerns over intellectual property (IP) ownership, and there is a need for implementing Cas nucleases that are not limited by complex IP constraints. One promising candidate in this context is the Mad7 enzyme, and we here present a versatile Mad7-CRISPR vector-set that can be efficiently used for the genetic engineering of four different Aspergillus species: Aspergillus nidulans, A. niger, A. oryzae and A. campestris, the latter being a species that has never previously been genetically engineered. We successfully used Mad7 to introduce unspecific as well as specific template-directed mutations including gene disruptions, gene insertions and gene deletions. Moreover, we demonstrate that both single-stranded oligonucleotides and PCR fragments equipped with short and long targeting sequences can be used for efficient marker-free gene editing. Importantly, our CRISPR/Mad7 system was functional in both non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) proficient and deficient strains. Therefore, the newly implemented CRISPR/Mad7 was efficient to promote gene deletions and integrations using different types of DNA repair in four different Aspergillus species, resulting in the expansion of CRISPR toolboxes in fungal cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherina Garcia Vanegas
- Eukaryotic Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jakob Kræmmer Haar Rendsvig
- Eukaryotic Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Zofia Dorota Jarczynska
- Eukaryotic Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Abel Peter van Esch
- Eukaryotic Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Martí Morera-Gómez
- Eukaryotic Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Fabiano Jares Contesini
- Eukaryotic Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Uffe Hasbro Mortensen
- Eukaryotic Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Correspondence:
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Jarczynska Z, Garcia Vanegas K, Deichmann M, Nørskov Jensen C, Scheeper MJ, Futyma ME, Strucko T, Jares Contesini F, Sparholt Jørgensen T, Blæsbjerg Hoof J, Hasbro Mortensen U. A Versatile in Vivo DNA Assembly Toolbox for Fungal Strain Engineering. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3251-3263. [PMID: 36126183 PMCID: PMC9594312 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Efficient homologous recombination in baker's yeast allows accurate fusion of DNA fragments via short identical sequence tags in vivo. Eliminating the need for an Escherichia coli cloning step speeds up genetic engineering of this yeast and sets the stage for large high-throughput projects depending on DNA construction. With the aim of developing similar tools for filamentous fungi, we first set out to determine the genetic- and sequence-length requirements needed for efficient fusion reactions, and demonstrated that in nonhomologous end-joining deficient strains of Aspergillus nidulans, efficient fusions can be achieved by 25 bp sequence overlaps. Based on these results, we developed a novel fungal in vivo DNA assembly toolbox for simple and flexible genetic engineering of filamentous fungi. Specifically, we have used this method for construction of AMA1-based vectors, complex gene-targeting substrates for gene deletion and gene insertion, and for marker-free CRISPR based gene editing. All reactions were done via single-step transformations involving fusions of up to six different DNA fragments. Moreover, we show that it can be applied in four different species of Aspergilli. We therefore envision that in vivo DNA assembly can be advantageously used for many more purposes and will develop into a popular tool for fungal genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia
Dorota Jarczynska
- Eukaryotic
Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Katherina Garcia Vanegas
- Eukaryotic
Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marcus Deichmann
- Eukaryotic
Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christina Nørskov Jensen
- Eukaryotic
Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marouschka Jasmijn Scheeper
- Eukaryotic
Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Malgorzata Ewa Futyma
- Eukaryotic
Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tomas Strucko
- Eukaryotic
Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Fabiano Jares Contesini
- Eukaryotic
Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tue Sparholt Jørgensen
- The
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jakob Blæsbjerg Hoof
- Eukaryotic
Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Uffe Hasbro Mortensen
- Eukaryotic
Molecular Cell Biology, Section for Synthetic Biology, Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark,
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Schalamun M, Schmoll M. Trichoderma - genomes and genomics as treasure troves for research towards biology, biotechnology and agriculture. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:1002161. [PMID: 37746224 PMCID: PMC10512326 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.1002161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The genus Trichoderma is among the best studied groups of filamentous fungi, largely because of its high relevance in applications from agriculture to enzyme biosynthesis to biofuel production. However, the physiological competences of these fungi, that led to these beneficial applications are intriguing also from a scientific and ecological point of view. This review therefore summarizes recent developments in studies of fungal genomes, updates on previously started genome annotation efforts and novel discoveries as well as efforts towards bioprospecting for enzymes and bioactive compounds such as cellulases, enzymes degrading xenobiotics and metabolites with potential pharmaceutical value. Thereby insights are provided into genomes, mitochondrial genomes and genomes of mycoviruses of Trichoderma strains relevant for enzyme production, biocontrol and mycoremediation. In several cases, production of bioactive compounds could be associated with responsible genes or clusters and bioremediation capabilities could be supported or predicted using genome information. Insights into evolution of the genus Trichoderma revealed large scale horizontal gene transfer, predominantly of CAZyme genes, but also secondary metabolite clusters. Investigation of sexual development showed that Trichoderma species are competent of repeat induced point mutation (RIP) and in some cases, segmental aneuploidy was observed. Some random mutants finally gave away their crucial mutations like T. reesei QM9978 and QM9136 and the fertility defect of QM6a was traced back to its gene defect. The Trichoderma core genome was narrowed down to 7000 genes and gene clustering was investigated in the genomes of multiple species. Finally, recent developments in application of CRISPR/Cas9 in Trichoderma, cloning and expression strategies for the workhorse T. reesei as well as the use genome mining tools for bioprospecting Trichoderma are highlighted. The intriguing new findings on evolution, genomics and physiology highlight emerging trends and illustrate worthwhile perspectives in diverse fields of research with Trichoderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Schalamun
- Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Tulln, Austria
| | - Monika Schmoll
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Terrestrial Ecosystem Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Guo Y, Contesini FJ, Wang X, Ghidinelli S, Tornby DS, Andersen TE, Mortensen UH, Larsen TO. Biosynthesis of Calipyridone A Represents a Fungal 2-Pyridone Formation without Ring Expansion in Aspergillus californicus. Org Lett 2022; 24:804-808. [PMID: 35045257 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c03792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A chemical investigation of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus californicus led to the isolation of a polyketide-nonribosomal peptide hybrid, calipyridone A (1). A putative biosynthetic gene cluster cpd for production of 1 was next identified by genome mining. The role of the cpd cluster in the production of 1 was confirmed by multiple gene deletion experiments in the host strain as well as by heterologous expression of the hybrid gene cpdA inAspergillus oryzae. Moreover, chemical analyses of the mutant strains allowed the biosynthesis of 1 to be elucidated. The results indicate that the generation of the 2-pyridone moiety of 1 via nucleophilic attack of the iminol nitrogen to the carbonyl carbon is different from the biosynthesis of other fungal 2-pyridone products through P450-catalyzed tetramic acid ring expansions. In addition, two biogenetic intermediates, calipyridones B and C, showed modest inhibition effects on the plaque-forming ability of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojie Guo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of Microbiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yuhangtang Road 866, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fabiano J Contesini
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Simone Ghidinelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Ditte S Tornby
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winløwsparken 21, 2. sal, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Thomas E Andersen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winløwsparken 21, 2. sal, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Uffe H Mortensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas O Larsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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The Aspergillus fumigatus Phosphoproteome Reveals Roles of High-Osmolarity Glycerol Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in Promoting Cell Wall Damage and Caspofungin Tolerance. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.02962-19. [PMID: 32019798 PMCID: PMC7002344 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02962-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic human pathogen causing allergic reactions or systemic infections, such as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are essential for fungal adaptation to the human host. Fungal cell survival, fungicide tolerance, and virulence are highly dependent on the organization, composition, and function of the cell wall. Upon cell wall stress, MAPKs phosphorylate multiple target proteins involved in the remodeling of the cell wall. Here, we investigate the global phosphoproteome of the ΔsakA and ΔmpkCA. fumigatus and high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway MAPK mutants upon cell wall damage. This showed the involvement of the HOG pathway and identified novel protein kinases and transcription factors, which were confirmed by fungal genetics to be involved in promoting tolerance of cell wall damage. Our results provide understanding of how fungal signal transduction networks modulate the cell wall. This may also lead to the discovery of new fungicide drug targets to impact fungal cell wall function, fungicide tolerance, and virulence. The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus can cause a distinct set of clinical disorders in humans. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most common life-threatening fungal disease of immunocompromised humans. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are essential to the adaptation to the human host. Fungal cell survival is highly dependent on the organization, composition, and function of the cell wall. Here, an evaluation of the global A. fumigatus phosphoproteome under cell wall stress caused by the cell wall-damaging agent Congo red (CR) revealed 485 proteins potentially involved in the cell wall damage response. Comparative phosphoproteome analyses with the ΔsakA, ΔmpkC, and ΔsakA ΔmpkC mutant strains from the osmotic stress MAPK cascades identify their additional roles during the cell wall stress response. Our phosphoproteomics allowed the identification of novel kinases and transcription factors (TFs) involved in osmotic stress and in the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway. Our global phosphoproteome network analysis showed an enrichment for protein kinases, RNA recognition motif domains, and the MAPK signaling pathway. In contrast to the wild-type strain, there is an overall decrease of differentially phosphorylated kinases and phosphatases in ΔsakA, ΔmpkC, and ΔsakA ΔmpkC mutants. We constructed phosphomutants for the phosphorylation sites of several proteins differentially phosphorylated in the wild-type and mutant strains. For all the phosphomutants, there is an increase in the sensitivity to cell wall-damaging agents and a reduction in the MpkA phosphorylation upon CR stress, suggesting these phosphosites could be important for the MpkA modulation and CWI pathway regulation.
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Collemare J, O'Connell R, Lebrun MH. Nonproteinaceous effectors: the terra incognita of plant-fungal interactions. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 223:590-596. [PMID: 30851201 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Molecular plant-fungal interaction studies have mainly focused on small secreted protein effectors. However, accumulating evidence shows that numerous fungal secondary metabolites are produced at all stages of plant colonization, especially during early asymptomatic/biotrophic phases. The discovery of fungal small RNAs targeting plant transcripts has expanded the fungal repertoire of nonproteinaceous effectors even further. The challenge now is to develop specific functional methods to fully understand the biological roles of these effectors. Studies on fungal extracellular vesicles are also needed because they could be the universal carriers of all kinds of fungal effectors. With this review, we aim to stimulate the nonproteinaceous effector research field to move from descriptive to functional studies, which should bring a paradigm shift in plant-fungal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Collemare
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Richard O'Connell
- UMR BIOGER, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, F78850, Thiverval-Grignon, France
| | - Marc-Henri Lebrun
- UMR BIOGER, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, F78850, Thiverval-Grignon, France
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