DNA-mediated transformation of the basidiomycete Coprinus cinereus.

We have developed a simple and efficient transformation system for the agaric fungus, Coprinus cinereus. Protoplasts were prepared from asexual spores that harbor one or two mutations in the structural gene for tryptophan synthetase. The protoplasts can be stably transformed using the cloned Coprinus gene at a frequency of 1 in 10(4) viable protoplasts. A variety of molecular events accompanies the formation of stable transformants, including insertion of the transforming DNA at the homologous locus. The transforming DNA is stable through cell division, mating, fruiting body formation, and meiosis.