Use of RNA-Protein Complexes for Genome Editing in Non- albicans Candida Species

Abstract

Existing CRISPR-Cas9 genome modification systems for use in Candida albicans , which rely on constructs to endogenously express the Cas9 protein and guide RNA, do not work efficiently in other Candida species due to inefficient promoter activity. Here, we present an expression-free method that uses RNA-protein complexes and demonstrate its use in three Candida species known for their drug resistance profiles. We propose that this system will aid the genetic analysis of fungi that lack established genetic systems.