homologous recombination

The Transformation and Protein Expression of the Edible Mushroom Stropharia rugosoannulata Protoplasts by Agrobacterium-tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation

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Scientists developed a genetic engineering technique to modify king stropharia (a cultivated edible mushroom) by inserting foreign genes into its cells. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how the mushroom grows and produces beneficial compounds. The technique uses a bacterium called Agrobacterium tumefaciens to naturally deliver genes into mushroom cells, similar to how it infects plants. This advancement could lead to improved cultivation practices and enhanced nutritional or medicinal properties.

CRISPR-Cas9 enables efficient genome engineering of the strictly lytic, broad-host-range staphylococcal bacteriophage K

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Scientists have developed a new method to genetically engineer bacteriophages—viruses that infect bacteria—to fight antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. Using CRISPR technology, they created a special phage that glows when it infects S. aureus cells, allowing doctors to quickly detect this dangerous pathogen in patient blood samples and other clinical samples. This engineered phage works against most S. aureus strains tested, regardless of their resistance to vancomycin, and could lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections.

A putative ABC transporter gene, CcT1, is involved in beauvericin synthesis, conidiation, and oxidative stress resistance in Cordyceps chanhua

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Cordyceps chanhua is a medicinal fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine that produces a compound called beauvericin, which has health benefits but can be toxic in high amounts. Researchers discovered a gene called CcT1 that controls how much beauvericin the fungus makes. By removing this gene, they could reduce beauvericin production by 64%, making the fungus safer to use as medicine while maintaining other beneficial properties.

SsMet1 is a critical gene in methionine biosynthesis in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a destructive plant pathogen causing white mold and other crop diseases. This study identified and deleted the SsMet1 gene, which is essential for methionine production in this fungus. Fungi lacking this gene could not grow properly, form survival structures called sclerotia, or infect plants. These findings suggest that blocking methionine biosynthesis could be a new way to develop fungicides against this important crop pathogen.

Enhanced extracellular production of laccase in Coprinopsis cinerea by silencing chitinase gene

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Scientists improved the production of laccase, an enzyme with industrial uses in detoxification and food processing, by genetically engineering mushroom cells to have stronger cell walls. By reducing the activity of genes that break down chitin in the cell wall, they created mushroom strains that could better withstand the stirring forces during fermentation, resulting in over twice as much enzyme production. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper, more efficient production of this useful green catalyst on an industrial scale.

Providing a toolbox for genomic engineering of Trichoderma aggressivum

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Scientists have developed a set of techniques to genetically modify the fungus Trichoderma aggressivum, which is usually known for ruining mushroom crops. This genetic toolkit allows researchers to edit genes in this fungus to study how it produces various compounds and why it affects mushrooms. By using modern gene-editing technology called CRISPR, researchers can now create specific mutations and study the fungus’s useful properties, such as its potential to protect crops or promote plant growth.

Improving the production of micafungin precursor FR901379 in Coleophoma empetri using heavy-ion irradiation and its mechanism analysis

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Scientists successfully improved the production of a key ingredient for the antifungal drug micafungin by using heavy-ion radiation to create improved strains of a fungus called Coleophoma empetri. The best mutant strain produced over 250% more of the desired compound than the original strain. By analyzing the genetic changes in these improved strains, researchers identified specific genes related to fungal structure and metabolism that contribute to higher production, providing insights for future improvements to the manufacturing process.

Functions of the Three Common Fungal Extracellular Membrane (CFEM) Domain-Containing Genes of Arthrobotrys flagrans in the Process of Nematode Trapping

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Researchers studied three genes (CFEM1-3) in a fungus called Arthrobotrys flagrans that traps and kills parasitic worms. By deleting or increasing these genes, scientists found they control how the fungus makes sticky trap networks and how thick the trap walls are. This knowledge could help develop natural pest control products to protect plants and animals from harmful parasitic nematodes.

Transcription factor RonA-driven GlcNAc catabolism is essential for growth, cell wall integrity, and pathogenicity in Aspergillus fumigatus

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Researchers identified how a deadly fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus uses a special nutrient (GlcNAc) to survive and cause disease. They found that a protein called RonA controls this nutrient processing and also helps the fungus hide from the immune system by building a protective outer coating. When RonA is disabled, the fungus becomes much less dangerous because the immune system can recognize it better. This discovery suggests RonA could be a new target for developing antifungal drugs.

Genetic Ablation of the Conidiogenesis Regulator Enhances Mycoprotein Production

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Researchers created genetically modified versions of a fungus (Fusarium venenatum) used to make mycoprotein, a meat alternative. By removing a gene controlling spore formation, they increased fungal growth by 22%, which could significantly reduce production costs. The modified fungus also contained more amino acids and showed no safety concerns in lab tests, making it a promising advancement for sustainable food production.

Research Keyword: homologous recombination