Liposome-mediated genetic transformation of Neurospora crassa.

Transformation of Neurospora crassa spheroplasts is reported for three different genes, using uncloned Neurospora DNA, both naked and encapsulated in synthetic phosphatidylserine liposomes. Whereas transformation by naked DNA is DNase-sensitive, that by liposomes is not. Per unit of transforming DNA, liposome transformation is significantly more efficient than that with naked DNA, ranging from 19x for the am gene to 41x for pyr-3. Levels of activity of pyr-3 and am transformants, and segregation data on pyr-3 transformation are given.