Use of CRISPR-Cas9 To Target Homologous Recombination Limits Transformation-Induced Genomic Changes in Candida albicans

Abstract

Genome editing is essential to nearly all research studies aimed at gaining insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying various biological processes, including those in the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans . The adaptation of the CRISPR-Cas9 system greatly facilitates genome engineering in many organisms. However, our understanding of the effects of CRISPR-Cas9 technology on the biology of C. albicans is limited. In this study, we sought to compare the extents of transformation-induced genomic changes within strains engineered using CRISPR-Cas9-free and CRISPR-Cas9-dependent transformation methods. CRISPR-Cas9-dependent transformation allows one to simultaneously target both homologs and, importantly, appears less mutagenic in C. albicans , since strains engineered using CRISPR-Cas9 display an overall decrease in concomitant genomic changes.