CRISPR-mediated genome editing in non-conventional yeasts for biotechnological applications

Abstract

Abstract Non-conventional yeasts are playing important roles as cell factories for bioproduction of biofuels, food additives and proteins with outstanding natural characteristics. However, the precise genome editing is challenging in non-conventional yeasts due to lack of efficient genetic tools. In the past few years, CRISPR-based genome editing worked as a revolutionary tool for genetic engineering and showed great advantages in cellular metabolic engineering. Here, we review the current advances and barriers of CRISPR–Cas9 for genome editing in non-conventional yeasts and propose the possible solutions in enhancing its efficiency for precise genetic engineering.

Keywords

• CRISPR–Cas9
• Non-conventional yeasts
• Genome editing
• Guide RNA
• Homologous recombination
• Non-homologous end joining