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Calvo AM, Dabholkar A, Wyman EM, Lohmar JM, Cary JW. Beyond morphogenesis and secondary metabolism: function of Velvet proteins and LaeA in fungal pathogenesis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024:e0081924. [PMID: 39230285 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00819-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Velvet proteins, as well as the epigenetic regulator LaeA, are conserved in numerous fungal species, where, in response to environmental cues, they control several crucial cellular processes, including sexual and asexual morphogenesis, secondary metabolism, response to oxidative stress, and virulence. During the last two decades, knowledge of their mechanism of action as well as understanding their functional roles, has greatly increased, particularly in Aspergillus species. Research efforts from multiple groups followed, leading to the characterization of other Velvet and LaeA homologs in species of other fungal genera, including important opportunistic plant and animal pathogens. This review focuses mainly on the current knowledge of the role of Velvet and LaeA function in fungal pathogenesis. Velvet proteins and LaeA are unique to fungi, and for this reason, additional knowledge of these critical regulatory proteins will be important in the development of targeted control strategies to decrease the detrimental impact of fungal pathogens capable of causing disease in plants and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Calvo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
| | - Apoorva Dabholkar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Wyman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
| | - Jessica M Lohmar
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, USDA/ARS, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Cary
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, USDA/ARS, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Shen Y, Yang X, Zhu M, Duan S, Liu Q, Yang J. The Cryptochrome CryA Regulates Lipid Droplet Accumulation, Conidiation, and Trap Formation via Responses to Light in Arthrobotrys oligospora. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:626. [PMID: 39330386 PMCID: PMC11432822 DOI: 10.3390/jof10090626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Light is a key environmental factor affecting conidiation in filamentous fungi. The cryptochrome/photolyase CryA, a blue-light receptor, is involved in fungal development. In the present study, a homologous CryA (AoCryA) was identified from the widely occurring nematode-trapping (NT) fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora, and its roles in the mycelial growth and development of A. oligospora were characterized using gene knockout, phenotypic comparison, staining technique, and metabolome analysis. The inactivation of AocryA caused a substantial decrease in spore yields in dark conditions but did not affect spore yields in the wild-type (WT) and ∆AocryA mutant strains in light conditions. Corresponding to the decrease in spore production, the transcription of sporulation-related genes was also significantly downregulated in dark conditions. Contrarily, the ∆AocryA mutants showed a substantial increase in trap formation in dark conditions, while the trap production and nematode-trapping abilities of the WT and mutant strains significantly decreased in light conditions. In addition, lipid droplet accumulation increased in the ∆AocryA mutant in dark conditions, and the mutants showed an increased tolerance to sorbitol, while light contributed to the synthesis of carotenoids. Finally, AoCryA was found to affect secondary metabolic processes. These results reveal, for the first time, the function of a homologous cryptochrome in NT fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China; (Y.S.); (X.Y.); (M.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.L.)
- Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Xuewei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China; (Y.S.); (X.Y.); (M.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.L.)
- Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Meichen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China; (Y.S.); (X.Y.); (M.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.L.)
- Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Shipeng Duan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China; (Y.S.); (X.Y.); (M.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.L.)
- Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China; (Y.S.); (X.Y.); (M.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.L.)
- Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Jinkui Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China; (Y.S.); (X.Y.); (M.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.L.)
- Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
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3
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Hou X, Liu L, Xu D, Lai D, Zhou L. Involvement of LaeA and Velvet Proteins in Regulating the Production of Mycotoxins and Other Fungal Secondary Metabolites. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:561. [PMID: 39194887 DOI: 10.3390/jof10080561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungi are rich sources of secondary metabolites of agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and food importance, such as mycotoxins, antibiotics, and antitumor agents. Secondary metabolites play vital roles in fungal pathogenesis, growth and development, oxidative status modulation, and adaptation/resistance to various environmental stresses. LaeA contains an S-adenosylmethionine binding site and displays methyltransferase activity. The members of velvet proteins include VeA, VelB, VelC, VelD and VosA for each member with a velvet domain. LaeA and velvet proteins can form multimeric complexes such as VosA-VelB and VelB-VeA-LaeA. They belong to global regulators and are mainly impacted by light. One of their most important functions is to regulate gene expressions that are responsible for secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The aim of this mini-review is to represent the newest cognition of the biosynthetic regulation of mycotoxins and other fungal secondary metabolites by LaeA and velvet proteins. In most cases, LaeA and velvet proteins positively regulate production of fungal secondary metabolites. The regulated fungal species mainly belong to the toxigenic fungi from the genera of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Botrytis, Fusarium, Magnaporthe, Monascus, and Penicillium for the production of mycotoxins. We can control secondary metabolite production to inhibit the production of harmful mycotoxins while promoting the production of useful metabolites by global regulation of LaeA and velvet proteins in fungi. Furthermore, the regulation by LaeA and velvet proteins should be a practical strategy in activating silent biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in fungi to obtain previously undiscovered metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuwen Hou
- MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Liyao Liu
- MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dan Xu
- MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Daowan Lai
- MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ligang Zhou
- MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Yu M, Zhou X, Chen D, Jiao Y, Han G, Tao F. HacA, a key transcription factor for the unfolded protein response, is required for fungal development, aflatoxin biosynthesis and pathogenicity of Aspergillus flavus. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 417:110693. [PMID: 38653122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a fungus notorious for contaminating food and feed with aflatoxins. As a saprophytic fungus, it secretes large amounts of enzymes to access nutrients, making endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis important for protein folding and secretion. The role of HacA, a key transcription factor in the unfolded protein response pathway, remains poorly understood in A. flavus. In this study, the hacA gene in A. flavus was knockout. Results showed that the absence of hacA led to a decreased pathogenicity of the strain, as it failed to colonize intact maize kernels. This may be due to retarded vegetable growth, especially the abnormal development of swollen tips and shorter hyphal septa. Deletion of hacA also hindered conidiogenesis and sclerotial development. Notably, the mutant strain failed to produce aflatoxin B1. Moreover, compared to the wild type, the mutant strain showed increased sensitivity to ER stress inducer such as Dithiothreitol (DTT), and heat stress. It also displayed heightened sensitivity to other environmental stresses, including cell wall, osmotic, and pH stresses. Further transcriptomic analysis revealed the involvement of the hacA in numerous biological processes, including filamentous growth, asexual reproduction, mycotoxin biosynthetic process, signal transduction, budding cell apical bud growth, invasive filamentous growth, response to stimulus, and so on. Taken together, HacA plays a vital role in fungal development, pathogenicity and aflatoxins biosynthesis. This highlights the potential of targeting hacA as a novel approach for early prevention of A. flavus contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Dongyue Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yuan Jiao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Guomin Han
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Fang Tao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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Chi Z, Wei X, Ge N, Jiang H, Liu GL, Chi ZM. NsdD, a GATA-type transcription factor is involved in regulation and biosynthesis of macromolecules melanin, pullulan, and polymalate in Aureobasidium melanogenum. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131820. [PMID: 38670184 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
In this study, an NSDD gene, which encoded a GATA-type transcription factor involved in the regulation and biosynthesis of melanin, pullulan, and polymalate (PMA) in Aureobasidium melanogenum, was characterized. After the NSDD gene was completely removed, melanin production by the Δnsd mutants was enhanced, while pullulan and polymalate production was significantly reduced. Transcription levels of the genes involved in melanin biosynthesis were up-regulated while expression levels of the genes responsible for pullulan and PMA biosynthesis were down-regulated in the Δnsdd mutants. In contrast, the complementation of the NSDD gene in the Δnsdd mutants made the overexpressing mutants restore melanin production and transcription levels of the genes responsible for melanin biosynthesis. Inversely, the complementation strains, compared to the wild type strains, showed enhanced pullulan and PMA yields. These results demonstrated that the NsdD was not only a negative regulator for melanin biosynthesis, but also a key positive regulator for pullulan and PMA biosynthesis in A. melanogenum. It was proposed how the same transcriptional factor could play a negative role in melanin biosynthesis and a positive role in pullulan and PMA biosynthesis. This study provided novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of multiple A. melanogenum metabolites and the possibility for improving its yields of some industrial products through genetic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Chi
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Wei
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Na Ge
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Guang-Lei Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhen-Ming Chi
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
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Shao Y, Zhou Y, Yang L, Mu D, Wilson IW, Zhang Y, Zhu L, Liu X, Luo L, He J, Qiu D, Tang Q. Genome-wide identification of GATA transcription factor family and the effect of different light quality on the accumulation of terpenoid indole alkaloids in Uncaria rhynchophylla. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 114:15. [PMID: 38329633 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-023-01400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Uncaria rhynchophylla is an evergreen vine plant, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, that is rich in terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) that have therapeutic effects on hypertension and Alzheimer's disease. GATA transcription factors (TF) are a class of transcription regulators that participate in the light response regulation, chlorophyll synthesis, and metabolism, with the capability to bind to GATA cis-acting elements in the promoter region of target genes. Currently the charactertics of GATA TFs in U. rhynchophylla and how different light qualities affect the expression of GATA and key enzyme genes, thereby affecting the changes in U. rhynchophylla alkaloids have not been investigated. In this study, 25 UrGATA genes belonging to four subgroups were identified based on genome-wide analysis. Intraspecific collinearity analysis revealed that only segmental duplications were identified among the UrGATA gene family. Collinearity analysis of GATA genes between U. rhynchophylla and four representative plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Coffea Canephora, and Catharanthus roseus was also performed. U. rhynchophylla seedlings grown in either red lights or under reduced light intensity had altered TIAs content after 21 days. Gene expression analysis reveal a complex pattern of expression from the 25 UrGATA genes as well as a number of key TIA enzyme genes. UrGATA7 and UrGATA8 were found to have similar expression profiles to key enzyme TIA genes in response to altered light treatments, implying that they may be involved in the regulation TIA content. In this research, we comprehensively analyzed the UrGATA TFs, and offered insight into the involvement of UrGATA TFs from U. rhynchophylla in TIAs biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Shao
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128, Changsha, China
| | - Li Yang
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128, Changsha, China
| | - Detian Mu
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128, Changsha, China.
| | - Iain W Wilson
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Yao Zhang
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128, Changsha, China
| | - Lina Zhu
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128, Changsha, China
| | - Xinghui Liu
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Luo
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128, Changsha, China
| | - Jialong He
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128, Changsha, China
| | - Deyou Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, 100091, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Tang
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128, Changsha, China.
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Jermnak U, Ngernmeesri P, Yurayart C, Poapolathep A, Udomkusonsri P, Poapolathep S, Phaochoosak N. A New Benzaldehyde Derivative Exhibits Antiaflatoxigenic Activity against Aspergillus flavus. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1103. [PMID: 37998908 PMCID: PMC10672374 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most potent naturally occurring carcinogen for humans and animals produced by the common fungus Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus). Aflatoxin (AF) contamination in commodities is a global concern related to the safety of food and feed, and it also impacts the agricultural economy. In this study, we investigated the AFB1-inhibiting activity of a new benzaldehyde derivative, 2-[(2-methylpyridin-3-yl)oxy]benzaldehyde (MPOBA), on A. flavus. It was found that MPOBA inhibited the production of AFB1 by A. flavus, with an IC50 value of 0.55 mM. Moreover, the inhibition of conidiation was also observed at the same concentration. The addition of MPOBA resulted in decreased transcript levels of the aflR gene, which encodes a key regulatory protein for the biosynthesis of AF, and also decreased transcript levels of the global regulator genes veA and laeA. These results suggested that MPOBA has an effect on the regulatory mechanism of the development and differentiation of conidia, leading to the inhibition of AFB1 production. In addition, the cytotoxicity study showed that MPOBA had a very low cytotoxic effect on the Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line. Therefore, MPOBA may be a potential compound for developing practically effective agents to control AF contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usuma Jermnak
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (A.P.); (P.U.); (S.P.); (N.P.)
| | - Paiboon Ngernmeesri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Chompoonek Yurayart
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Amnart Poapolathep
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (A.P.); (P.U.); (S.P.); (N.P.)
| | - Pareeya Udomkusonsri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (A.P.); (P.U.); (S.P.); (N.P.)
| | - Saranya Poapolathep
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (A.P.); (P.U.); (S.P.); (N.P.)
| | - Napasorn Phaochoosak
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (A.P.); (P.U.); (S.P.); (N.P.)
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Marcano Y, Montanares M, Gil-Durán C, González K, Levicán G, Vaca I, Chávez R. Pr laeA Affects the Production of Roquefortine C, Mycophenolic Acid, and Andrastin A in Penicillium roqueforti, but It Has Little Impact on Asexual Development. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:954. [PMID: 37888210 PMCID: PMC10607316 DOI: 10.3390/jof9100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of fungal specialized metabolism is a complex process involving various regulators. Among these regulators, LaeA, a methyltransferase protein originally discovered in Aspergillus spp., plays a crucial role. Although the role of LaeA in specialized metabolism has been studied in different fungi, its function in Penicillium roqueforti remains unknown. In this study, we employed CRISPR-Cas9 technology to disrupt the laeA gene in P. roqueforti (PrlaeA) aiming to investigate its impact on the production of the specialized metabolites roquefortine C, mycophenolic acid, and andrastin A, as well as on asexual development, because they are processes that occur in the same temporal stages within the physiology of the fungus. Our results demonstrate a substantial reduction in the production of the three metabolites upon disruption of PrlaeA, suggesting a positive regulatory role of LaeA in their biosynthesis. These findings were further supported by qRT-PCR analysis, which revealed significant downregulation in the expression of genes associated with the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) responsible for producing roquefortine C, mycophenolic acid, and andrastin A in the ΔPrlaeA strains compared with the wild-type P. roqueforti. Regarding asexual development, the disruption of PrlaeA led to a slight decrease in colony growth rate, while conidiation and conidial germination remained unaffected. Taken together, our results suggest that LaeA positively regulates the expression of the analyzed BGCs and the production of their corresponding metabolites in P. roqueforti, but it has little impact on asexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudethzi Marcano
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (Y.M.); (C.G.-D.); (K.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Mariana Montanares
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile;
| | - Carlos Gil-Durán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (Y.M.); (C.G.-D.); (K.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Kathia González
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (Y.M.); (C.G.-D.); (K.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Gloria Levicán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (Y.M.); (C.G.-D.); (K.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Inmaculada Vaca
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile;
| | - Renato Chávez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (Y.M.); (C.G.-D.); (K.G.); (G.L.)
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Yu W, Pei R, Zhang Y, Tu Y, He B. Light regulation of secondary metabolism in fungi. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:57. [PMID: 37653453 PMCID: PMC10472637 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00374-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi have evolved unique metabolic regulation mechanisms for adapting to the changing environments. One of the key features of fungal adaptation is the production of secondary metabolites (SMs), which are essential for survival and beneficial to the organism. Many of these SMs are produced in response to the environmental cues, such as light. In all fungal species studied, the Velvet complex transcription factor VeA is a central player of the light regulatory network. In addition to growth and development, the intensity and wavelength of light affects the formation of a broad range of secondary metabolites. Recent studies, mainly on species of the genus Aspergillus, revealed that the dimer of VeA-VelB and LaeA does not only regulate gene expression in response to light, but can also be involved in regulating production of SMs. Furthermore, the complexes have a wide regulatory effect on different types of secondary metabolites. In this review, we discussed the role of light in the regulation of fungal secondary metabolism. In addition, we reviewed the photoreceptors, transcription factors, and signaling pathways that are involved in light-dependent regulation of secondary metabolism. The effects of transcription factors on the production of secondary metabolites, as well as the potential applications of light regulation for the production of pharmaceuticals and other products were discussed. Finally, we provided an overview of the current research in this field and suggested potential areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Yu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, Jiangxi, China
| | - Rongqiang Pei
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yufei Zhang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yayi Tu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Bin He
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, Jiangxi, China.
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Madalosso LM, Balok FRM, Bortolotto VC, Dahleh MMM, Backes LG, Escalante ESS, Benites FV, da Silva e Silva FA, Segat HJ, Boeira SP. Pitaya Juice Consumption Protects against Oxidative Damage Induced by Aflatoxin B1. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:874. [PMID: 37754981 PMCID: PMC10532851 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are toxic fungal metabolites and are responsible for contaminating several foods. The intake of foods contaminated by these substances is related to hepatotoxicity and carcinogenic effects, possibly due to increasing oxidative stress. The current study evaluated Pitaya fruit juice's antioxidant effects on oxidative damage aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced. Rats received 1.5 mL of Pitaya juice via gavage (for 30 days), and on the 31st day, they received AFB1 (250 µg/kg, via gavage). Forty-eight hours after the AFB1 dose, rats were euthanized for dosages of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); dosage of oxidative markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), reactive species (RS)) and antioxidant defenses (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and Glutathione (GSH)) levels in the liver; and detection of Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp-70) and nuclear factor- erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) immunocontent in the liver. Our results indicated that the Pitaya juice reduced ALP activity. Further, rats exposed to AFB1 experienced liver damage due to the increase in TBARS, RS, and Hsp-70 and the reduction in CAT, GSH, and Nrf2. Pitaya juice could, however, protect against these damages. Finally, these results indicated that pre-treatment with Pitaya juice was effective against the oxidative damage induced. However, other aspects may be elucidated in the future to discover more targets of its action against mycotoxicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiggi Müller Madalosso
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactives Molecules—LaftamBio, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui 97650-000, Brazil; (L.M.M.); (L.G.B.); (E.S.S.E.); (F.V.B.); (F.A.d.S.e.S.); (H.J.S.)
| | - Franciéle Romero Machado Balok
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana 97650-000, Brazil; (F.R.M.B.); (V.C.B.); (M.M.M.D.)
| | - Vandreza Cardoso Bortolotto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana 97650-000, Brazil; (F.R.M.B.); (V.C.B.); (M.M.M.D.)
| | - Mustafa Munir Mustafa Dahleh
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana 97650-000, Brazil; (F.R.M.B.); (V.C.B.); (M.M.M.D.)
| | - Lucas Gabriel Backes
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactives Molecules—LaftamBio, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui 97650-000, Brazil; (L.M.M.); (L.G.B.); (E.S.S.E.); (F.V.B.); (F.A.d.S.e.S.); (H.J.S.)
| | - Elizabeth Sabryna Sarquis Escalante
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactives Molecules—LaftamBio, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui 97650-000, Brazil; (L.M.M.); (L.G.B.); (E.S.S.E.); (F.V.B.); (F.A.d.S.e.S.); (H.J.S.)
| | - Fernanda Vilhalba Benites
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactives Molecules—LaftamBio, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui 97650-000, Brazil; (L.M.M.); (L.G.B.); (E.S.S.E.); (F.V.B.); (F.A.d.S.e.S.); (H.J.S.)
| | - Francisco Andrey da Silva e Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactives Molecules—LaftamBio, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui 97650-000, Brazil; (L.M.M.); (L.G.B.); (E.S.S.E.); (F.V.B.); (F.A.d.S.e.S.); (H.J.S.)
| | - Hecson Jesser Segat
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactives Molecules—LaftamBio, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui 97650-000, Brazil; (L.M.M.); (L.G.B.); (E.S.S.E.); (F.V.B.); (F.A.d.S.e.S.); (H.J.S.)
| | - Silvana Peterini Boeira
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactives Molecules—LaftamBio, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui 97650-000, Brazil; (L.M.M.); (L.G.B.); (E.S.S.E.); (F.V.B.); (F.A.d.S.e.S.); (H.J.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana 97650-000, Brazil; (F.R.M.B.); (V.C.B.); (M.M.M.D.)
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Chávez R, Vaca I, García-Estrada C. Secondary Metabolites Produced by the Blue-Cheese Ripening Mold Penicillium roqueforti; Biosynthesis and Regulation Mechanisms. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040459. [PMID: 37108913 PMCID: PMC10144355 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are an important source of natural products. The mold Penicillium roqueforti, which is well-known for being responsible for the characteristic texture, blue-green spots, and aroma of the so-called blue-veined cheeses (French Bleu, Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Cabrales, and Valdeón, among others), is able to synthesize different secondary metabolites, including andrastins and mycophenolic acid, as well as several mycotoxins, such as Roquefortines C and D, PR-toxin and eremofortins, Isofumigaclavines A and B, festuclavine, and Annullatins D and F. This review provides a detailed description of the biosynthetic gene clusters and pathways of the main secondary metabolites produced by P. roqueforti, as well as an overview of the regulatory mechanisms controlling secondary metabolism in this filamentous fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Chávez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Inmaculada Vaca
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Carlos García-Estrada
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Vegazana, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
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Unraveling the Gene Regulatory Networks of the Global Regulators VeA and LaeA in Aspergillus nidulans. Microbiol Spectr 2023:e0016623. [PMID: 36920196 PMCID: PMC10101098 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00166-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, the velvet family protein VeA and the global regulator of secondary metabolism LaeA govern development and secondary metabolism mostly by acting as the VelB/VeA/LaeA heterotrimeric complex. While functions of these highly conserved controllers have been well studied, the genome-wide regulatory networks governing cellular and chemical development remain to be uncovered. Here, by integrating transcriptomic analyses, protein-DNA interactions, and the known A. nidulans gene/protein interaction data, we have unraveled the gene regulatory networks governed by VeA and LaeA. Within the networks, VeA and LaeA directly control the expression of numerous genes involved in asexual/sexual development and primary/secondary metabolism in A. nidulans. Totals of 3,190 and 1,834 potential direct target genes of VeA and LaeA were identified, respectively, including several important developmental and metabolic regulators such as flbA·B·C, velB·C, areA, mpkB, and hogA. Moreover, by analyzing over 8,800 ChIP-seq peaks, we have revealed the predicted common consensus sequences 5'-TGATTGGCTG-3' and 5'-TCACGTGAC-3' that VeA and LaeA might bind to interchangeably. These findings further expand the biochemical and genomic studies of the VelB/VeA/LaeA complex functionality in the gene regulation. In summary, this study unveils genes that are under the regulation of VeA and LaeA, proposes the VeA- and LaeA-mediated gene regulatory networks, and demonstrates their genome-wide developmental and metabolic regulations in A. nidulans. IMPORTANCE Fungal development and metabolism are genetically programmed events involving specialized cellular differentiation, cellular communication, and temporal and spatial regulation of gene expression. In genus Aspergillus, the global regulators VeA and LaeA govern developmental and metabolic processes by affecting the expression of downstream genes, including multiple transcription factors and signaling elements. Due to their vital roles in overall biology, functions of VeA and LaeA have been extensively studied, but there still has been a lack of knowledge about their genome-wide regulatory networks. In this study, employing the model fungus A. nidulans, we have identified direct targets of VeA and LaeA and their gene regulatory networks by integrating transcriptome, protein-DNA interaction, and protein-protein interaction analyses. Our results demonstrate the genome-wide regulatory mechanisms of these global regulators, thereby advancing the knowledge of fungal biology and genetics.
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