The group around CUI Qiu has developed a new arabinose-based promoter system for C. cellulolyticum which includes an oxygen-independent fluorescent reporter, a sensitive MazF-based counterselection genetic marker and a precise gene knock-out method based on an inducible ClosTron system. The arabinose-inducible gene operation system ARAi has high inducing efficiency and stringency, and ARAi can be applied in both controllable gene expression and precise gene disruption, stimulating the application of Clostridium in the bioconversion of lignocellulosic substrates.

CAS news release, June 6, 2015