Improvement of the CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene disruption and large DNA fragment deletion based on a chimeric promoter in Acremonium chrysogenum.

•An improved CRISPR-Cas9 system based on a chimeric promoter.•This system shows a high efficiency for gene disruption in A. chrysogenum.•A large DNA fragment was deleted at a high efficiency by the system.•Blocking the sorbicillinoid biosynthesis increases the CPC production.