Heterologous Expression of Lignocellulolytic Enzymes in Aspergillus niger

Abstract

Aspergillus niger is a genetically tractable model organism for scientific discovery and a platform organism used for the production of heterologous enzymes. Academic strategies to increase production include the use of strong promoters, multiple gene copies, gene knock out and knock in strains, secretion pathway engineering, and multi omics-based approaches. However, yields of heterologous proteins are still lower than desired. Industrial approaches are more effective and straightforward: optimizing bioprocess conditions, strains engineering through multiple rounds of mutagenesis and reverse genetics, and new expression constructs design and testing, which are based on high-throughput screening in automated bioreactor/fermenter. High-level production of heterologous enzymes remains elusive in Aspergillus niger but more promising than ever.