RNA-mediated genetic transformation in Aspergillus nidulans
Zucchi, T.M.; Passos, G.A.; De Lucca, F.L.
Cellular and Molecular Biology 35(5): 573-580
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-5680 PMID: 2692827 Document Number: 329268
We developed a model-system for correcting genetic alterations of an Aspergillus nidulans strain (ribo, paba, bio, w, Acr) by treating protoplasts with total RNA extracted from another A. nidulans strain bearing wild type alleles for the same genetic markers. The results revealed the occurrence of a true genetic transformation. The phenomenon was RNA-dependent since it was abolished by pancreatic ribonuclease treatment. The term retrotransformation is proposed since the RNA messages artificially inserted into the mutant protoplast cells restore the wild type chromosomal information.