Use of Auxotrophic Markers for Targeted Gene Insertions in Trichoderma reesei.

In this chapter, we describe a routinely used strategy for targeted gene insertions in Trichoderma reesei using auxotrophic markers. Generally, targeted gene integrations are advantageous over random, ectopic integration, because the copy number and locus of integration are controlled, abolishing the risk of pleiotropic effects. The use of auxotrophic markers allows a direct, cheap, and easy method for selection. The first step is the construction of recipient strains in a NHEJ-deficient strain. We routinely use deletion strains of pyr4, encoding for the orotidine 5'-phosphate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.23) and/or asl1, encoding for the argininosuccinate lyase (EC 4.3.2.1). In the second step, the gene of interest is inserted together with the marker gene. Here we describe the necessary strategy for the construction of the recipient strains and insertion constructs, a PEG-mediated transformation protocol, and a protocol for genetic confirmation of the gene insertion.