The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for use in genome engineering of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Specifically, the methods and compositions described are useful for introducing transgenes into iPSCs such as pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells and/or progenitor cells (HSC/PC) using an CRISPR nuclease-based system (e.g., MAD7 nuclease-based system) and preparing immune-effector cells derived from the iPSCs.

The invention relates to a method to increase production of itaconic acid in a micro-organism by inhibiting the expression or functioning of the enzyme itaconyl-CoA transferase, itaconyl-CoA hydratase (citramalyl-CoA hydrolyase; EC 4.2.1.56) and/or citramalyl-CoA lyase. Also embodied are micro-organisms, preferably Aspergillus s terreus or Aspergillus niger, in which said enzyme is inhibited.