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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.07.30.739390

Multiplex genome engineering in yeast using the TIGR-Tas system

Cai, Z.·Sang, Y.·Xu, L.·Chang, Y.·Wong, N. M.·Zhu, J.·Chen, C.-T.·Bao, Z.
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Abstract

Tandem Interspaced Guide RNA (TIGR)-TIGR-associated (Tas) systems are a newly discovered family of ultracompact, modular RNA-guided DNA-targeting proteins that function without a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) requirement. Their utility as genome engineering tools in microbes remains unexplored. Here, we report the first functional implementation of TIGR-Tas in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for genome engineering. We show that TasR from Parcubacteria (ParTasR) can be programmed by user-defined tigRNAs to generate targeted DNA double-strand breaks at yeast endogenous loci. By co-delivering ParTasR with customized tigRNAs and donor templates, we achieved precise gene fragment deletion and targeted codon substitutions at multiple genomic loci. The multiplex genome engineering capability of this TIGR-Tas system was demonstrated through high-efficiency multiplex gene disruption and chromosomal assembly of a lycopene biosynthesis pathway while inactivating an endogenous gene. This work establishes TIGR-Tas as a valuable addition to the yeast genome engineering toolbox, particularly for applications requiring PAM-independent targeting or compact delivery.

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Cai, Z., Sang, Y., Xu, L., Chang, Y., Wong, N. M., Zhu, J., Chen, C.-T., Bao, Z.. 2026-07-31. Multiplex genome engineering in yeast using the TIGR-Tas system. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.30.739390

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