Minos and Restless transposon insertion mutagenesis of psychrotrophic fungus for red pigment synthesis adaptive to normal temperature

Abstract The polar psychrotrophic fungus Geomyces sp. WNF-15A can produce high-quality natural red pigment for the potential use as edible pigment. However, it shows low-temperature-dependent synthesis of pigment, which limits its large-scale industrial applications due to difficult and high-cost bioprocess control. This study aims develop transposon-mediated mutagenesis methods generate mutants that are able synthesize at normal temperature. Four transposable systems, including single dual were established in this based on Minos from Drosophila hydei Restless Tolypocladium inflatum . A total 23 production-dominant 12 growth-dominant thus obtained by constructed systems. At 14 °C 20 °C, MPS1 mutant strain achieved highest level (OD 520 43.3 29.7, respectively), was increased 78.4% 128.7% compared wild-type, respectively. Of note, 4 (MPS1, MPS3, MPS4 MPD1) successfully synthesized 5.0, 5.3, 4.7 4.9, respectively) 25 broke limit wild-type production under Generally, systems more efficient than their fungus. positive mutation ratios similar between either or provides alternative tools genetic breeding fungi extreme environments. Graphical