Genetic Transformation System

Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) contains various bioactive constituents, such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids. The development of genetic transformation systems of Lingzhi is necessary for the characterization of the function of the target genes and the efficient production of bioactive compounds by genetically engineered strains. This chapter describes major genetic transformation methods for Lingzhi, namely, polyethylene glycol-mediated transformation (PMT), restriction enzyme-mediated integration (REMI), electroporation, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT). These transformation methods support the genetic engineering of Lingzhi to enhance polysaccharide and triterpenoid production. Gene silencing of Lingzhi through transformation is also described in this chapter. Additionally, recent advances in disrupting and deleting target genes using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology are discussed.