Efficient multiplex CRISPR/Cpf1 (Cas12a) genome editing system in Aspergillus aculeatus TBRC 277.

CRISPR/Cas technology is a versatile tool for genome engineering in many organisms, including filamentous fungi. Cpf1 is a multi-domain protein of class 2 (type V) RNA-guided CRISPR/Cas endonuclease, and is an alternative platform with distinct features when compared to Cas9. However, application of this technology in filamentous fungi is limited.

Development of a CRISPR/Cpf1 system for targeted gene disruption in Aspergillus aculeatus TBRC 277.

Background: CRISPR-Cas genome editing technologies have revolutionized biotechnological research particularly in functional genomics and synthetic biology. As an alternative to the most studied and well-developed CRISPR/Cas9, a new class 2 (type V) CRISPR-Cas system called Cpf1 has emerged as another versatile platform for precision genome modification in a wide range of organisms including filamentous fungi.

Results: In this study, we developed AMA1-based single CRISPR/Cpf1 expression vector that targets pyrG gene in Aspergillus aculeatus TBRC 277, a wild type filamentous fungus and potential enzyme-producing cell factory.

Shotgun metagenomic sequencing from Manao-Pee cave, Thailand, reveals insight into the microbial community structure and its metabolic potential.

Background: Due to the cave oligotrophic environment, this habitat presents a challenge for microorganisms to colonize and thrive. However, it has been well documented that microorganisms play important roles in cave development. Survival of microbes in this unique habitat likely involves a broad range of adaptive capabilities.

Heterologous expression of Aspergillus aculeatus endo-polygalacturonase in Pichia pastoris by high cell density fermentation and its application in textile scouring.

Background: Removal of non-cellulosic impurities from cotton fabric, known as scouring, by conventional alkaline treatment causes environmental problems and reduces physical strength of fabrics. In this study, an endo-polygalacturonase (EndoPG) from Aspergillus aculeatus produced in Pichia pastoris was evaluated for its efficiency as a bioscouring agent while most current bioscouring process has been performed using crude pectinase preparation.

Results: The recombinant EndoPG exhibited a specific activity of 1892.

Insights from the genome of Ophiocordyceps polyrhachis-furcata to pathogenicity and host specificity in insect fungi.

Background: Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is an outstanding insect fungus for its biology to manipulate host ants' behavior and for its extreme host-specificity. Through the sequencing and annotation of Ophiocordyceps polyrhachis-furcata, a species in the O. unilateralis species complex specific to the ant Polyrhachis furcata, comparative analyses on genes involved in pathogenicity and virulence between this fungus and other fungi were undertaken in order to gain insights into its biology and the emergence of host specificity.

Identification and expression of cellobiohydrolase (CBHI) gene from an endophytic fungus, Fusicoccum sp. (BCC4124) in Pichia pastoris.

A gene encoding a cellobiohydrolase (CBHI) was isolated from Fusicoccum sp. (BCC4124), an endophytic fungus belongs in phylum Ascomycota, using 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) technique. This CBHI gene contains 1395 nucleotides and encodes a 465-amino acid protein with a molecular weight of approximately 50 kDa.

Cloning and expression of xylanase 10 from Cryptovalsa mangrovei (BCC7197) in Pichia pastoris.

Xylanases are one of the industrially valuable enzymes. Using RT-PCR and 5'- and 3'-RACE procedures, we have cloned a full-length xylanase encoding gene from a filamentous fungus, Cryptovalsa mangrovei (BCC7197) from Phuket, Thailand. The results showed that BCC7197 xylanase cDNA has an open reading frame of 978 bp encoding 325 amino acid residues.

Cloning, expression, and characterization of a xylanase 10 from Aspergillus terreus (BCC129) in Pichia pastoris.

A full-length xylanase gene, encoding 326 amino acids belonging to the fungal glycosyl hydrolase family 10, from Aspergillus terreus BCC129 was cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis suggested that the first 25 amino acids of this enzyme is the signal peptide. Therefore, only the mature xylanase gene of 906 bp was cloned into a yeast expression vector, pPICZalphaA, for heterologous expression in Pichia pastoris.