Abstract
Filamentous fungi reproduce asexually or sexually, and the processes of asexual and sexual development are tightly regulated by a variety of transcription factors. In this study, we characterized a Zn2Cys6 transcription factor in two Aspergillus species, A. nidulans (AN5859) and A. flavus (AFLA_046870). AN5859 encodes a Zn2Cys6 transcription factor, called ZcfA. In A. nidulans, ΔzcfA mutants exhibit decreased fungal growth, a reduction in cleistothecia production, and increased asexual reproduction. Overexpression of zcfA results in increased conidial production, suggesting that ZcfA is required for proper asexual and sexual development in A. nidulans. In conidia, deletion of zcfA causes decreased trehalose levels and decreased spore viability but increased thermal sensitivity. In A. flavus, the deletion of the zcfA homolog AFLA_046870 causes increased conidial production but decreased sclerotia production; these effects are similar to those of zcfA deletion in A. nidulans development. Overall, these results demonstrate that ZcfA is essential for maintaining a balance between asexual and sexual development and that some roles of ZcfA are conserved in Aspergillus spp.
Highlights
The genus Aspergillus consists of approximately 350 accepted species that are closely related [1,2,3]
Previous studies reported that the Zn cluster family Transcription factors (TFs) are major TFs in fungi and are involved in various biological processes [23, 36]
Most Aspergillus species contain ZcfA homologs, a ZcfA homolog is not seen in Aspergillus strains belonging to the section Fumigati, such as A. fumigatus (Fig 1A)
Summary
The genus Aspergillus consists of approximately 350 accepted species that are closely related [1,2,3]. Several species are useful for fermented food, enzyme production, and pharmaceutical purposes [4]. Some Aspergillus species have detrimental effects on humans or plants [5]. Several fungi can produce harmful secondary metabolites called mycotoxins [6, 7]. Aspergillus flavus is one of the key Aspergillus species and an agent of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients [8, 9]. A. flavus produces harmful secondary metabolites, called aflatoxins, that are potent carcinogens [10, 11]. The control of A. flavus growth and aflatoxin production is crucial to the agricultural industry. To use Aspergillus species for the benefit of humanity, we must understand its biology.
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