Transformation of Aspergillus parasiticus using autonomously replicating plasmids from Aspergillus nidulans.

A genetic transformation system for the aflatoxin-producing fungus Aspergillus parasiticus using two autonomously replicating plasmids from A. nidulans (ARp1 and pDHG25) is reported. Transformation frequencies using the plasmid pDHG25 were from 5 x 10(2) to 2.5 x 10(4) transformants per 10(6) viable protoplasts and microgram DNA. The stability of the plasmids in the transformants was also studied. This transformation system offers a new opportunity to clone genes related to aflatoxin production using appropriate aflatoxin-defective mutants.