Targeted Gene Insertion and Replacement in the Basidiomycete Ganoderma lucidum by Inactivation of Nonhomologous End Joining Using CRISPR/Cas9

Abstract

Functional genomic studies in Ganoderma have been hindered by the absence of adequate genome-engineering tools. Although CRISPR/Cas9 works well for gene disruption and deletion in G. lucidum , targeted gene insertion and replacement have remained a serious challenge due to the low efficiency of HR in these species, although such precise genome modifications, including site mutations, site-specific integrations, and allele or promoter replacements, would be incredibly valuable.