CRISPR-guided base editor enables efficient and multiplex genome editing in bacterial cellulose-producing Komagataeibacter species

Komagataeibacter, a bacterial genus belonging to the family Acetobacteraceae, has important applications in food and material biosynthesis. However, the genome editing of Komagataeibacter relies on traditional homologous recombination methods. Therefore, only one gene can be manipulated in each round using foreign DNA templates, which may present a regulatory hurdle for genetically modified organisms when microorganisms are used in the food industry. In this study, a powerful base editing technology was developed for Komagataeibacter species. C-to-T and C-to-G base conversions were efficiently implemented at up to three loci in the Komagataeibacter genome. This base editing system is expected to accelerate basic and applied research on Komagataeibacter species.