scholarly journals Crosstalk of Cellulose and Mannan Perception Pathways Leads to Inhibition of Cellulase Production in Several Filamentous Fungi

mBio ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Hassan ◽  
Liangcai Lin ◽  
Hagit Sorek ◽  
Laura E. Sperl ◽  
Thomas Goudoulas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Plant Cell Wall ◽  
Competitive Inhibition ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Degradation Products ◽  
Cellulase Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Strains ◽  
Genomics Tools

ABSTRACTIt is essential for microbes to acquire information about their environment. Fungi use soluble degradation products of plant cell wall components to understand the substrate composition they grow on. Individual perception pathways have been well described. However, the interconnections between pathways remain poorly understood. In the present work, we provide evidence of crosstalk between the perception pathways for cellulose and the hemicellulose mannan being conserved in several filamentous fungi and leading to the inhibition of cellulase expression. We used the functional genomics tools available forNeurospora crassato investigate this overlap at the molecular level. Crosstalk and competitive inhibition could be identified both during uptake by cellodextrin transporters and intracellularly. Importantly, the overlap is independent of CRE-1-mediated catabolite repression. These results provide novel insights into the regulatory networks of lignocellulolytic fungi and will contribute to the rational optimization of fungal enzyme production for efficient plant biomass depolymerization and utilization.IMPORTANCEIn fungi, the production of enzymes for polysaccharide degradation is controlled by complex signaling networks. Previously, these networks were studied in response to simple sugars or single polysaccharides. Here, we tackled for the first time the molecular interplay between two seemingly unrelated perception pathways: those for cellulose and the hemicellulose (gluco)mannan. We identified a so far unknown competitive inhibition between the respective degradation products acting as signaling molecules. Competition was detected both at the level of the uptake and intracellularly, upstream of the main transcriptional regulator CLR-2. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular communication between perception pathways. Also, they present possible targets for the improvement of industrial strains for higher cellulase production through the engineering of mannan insensitivity.

scholarly journals Cross-talk of cellulose and mannan perception pathways leads to inhibition of cellulase production in several filamentous fungi

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Hassan ◽  
Liangcai Lin ◽  
Hagit Sorek ◽  
Thomas Goudoulas ◽  
Natalie Germann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Cross Talk ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Plant Cell Wall ◽  
Competitive Inhibition ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Degradation Products ◽  
Cellulase Production ◽  
Cellulase Expression ◽  
Genomics Tools

AbstractIt is essential for microbes to acquire information about their environment. Fungi use soluble degradation products of plant cell wall components to understand the substrate composition they grow on. Individual signaling pathways have been well described. However, the interconnections between pathways remain poorly understood. In the present work, we provide evidence of “confusion” due to cross-talk between the perception pathways for cellulose and the hemicellulose mannan in several filamentous fungi, leading to the inhibition of cellulase expression. We used the functional genomics tools available forNeurospora crassato investigate this signaling overlap at the molecular level. Cross-talk and competitive inhibition could be identified both during uptake by cellodextrin transporters and intracellularly. Importantly, the overlap is independent of CRE-1-mediated catabolite repression. These results provide novel insights into the regulatory networks of lignocellulolytic fungi and will contribute to the rational optimization of fungal enzyme production for efficient plant biomass depolymerization and utilization.

scholarly journals A Novel Cys2His2 Zinc Finger Homolog of AZF1 Modulates Holocellulase Expression in Trichoderma reesei

mSystems ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Cristina Campos Antonieto ◽  
Karoline Maria Vieira Nogueira ◽  
Renato Graciano de Paula ◽  
Luísa Czamanski Nora ◽  
Murilo Henrique Anzolini Cassiano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trichoderma Reesei ◽  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Plant Cell Wall ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Biomass Degradation ◽  
Control Of Gene Expression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Encoding Genes

ABSTRACT Filamentous fungi are remarkable producers of enzymes dedicated to the degradation of sugar polymers found in the plant cell wall. Here, we integrated transcriptomic data to identify novel transcription factors (TFs) related to the control of gene expression of lignocellulosic hydrolases in Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus nidulans. Using various sets of differentially expressed genes, we identified some putative cis-regulatory elements that were related to known binding sites for Saccharomyces cerevisiae TFs. Comparative genomics allowed the identification of six transcriptional factors in filamentous fungi that have corresponding S. cerevisiae homologs. Additionally, a knockout strain of T. reesei lacking one of these TFs (S. cerevisiae AZF1 homolog) displayed strong reductions in the levels of expression of several cellulase-encoding genes in response to both Avicel and sugarcane bagasse, revealing a new player in the complex regulatory network operating in filamentous fungi during plant biomass degradation. Finally, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis showed the scope of the AZF1 homologue in regulating a number of processes in T. reesei, and chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) provided evidence for the direct interaction of this TF in the promoter regions of cel7a, cel45a, and swo. Therefore, we identified here a novel TF which plays a positive effect in the expression of cellulase-encoding genes in T. reesei. IMPORTANCE In this work, we used a systems biology approach to map new regulatory interactions in Trichoderma reesei controlling the expression of genes encoding cellulase and hemicellulase. By integrating transcriptomics related to complex biomass degradation, we were able to identify a novel transcriptional regulator which is able to activate the expression of these genes in response to two different cellulose sources. In vivo experimental validation confirmed the role of this new regulator in several other processes related to carbon source utilization and nutrient transport. Therefore, this work revealed novel forms of regulatory interaction in this model system for plant biomass deconstruction and also represented a new approach that could be easy applied to other organisms.

scholarly journals Transcription Factor NsdD Regulates the Expression of Genes Involved in Plant Biomass-Degrading Enzymes, Conidiation, and Pigment Biosynthesis inPenicillium oxalicum

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi-Peng He ◽  
Shuai Zhao ◽  
Jiu-Xiang Wang ◽  
Cheng-Xi Li ◽  
Yu-Si Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Genetic Engineering ◽  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Soil Fungi ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Penicillium Oxalicum ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pigment Biosynthesis

ABSTRACTSoil fungi produce a wide range of chemical compounds and enzymes with potential for applications in medicine and biotechnology. Cellular processes in soil fungi are highly dependent on the regulation under environmentally induced stress, but most of the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Previous work identified a key GATA-type transcription factor,Penicillium oxalicumNsdD (PoxNsdD; also called POX08415), that regulates the expression of cellulase and xylanase genes inP. oxalicum. PoxNsdD shares 57 to 64% identity with the key activator NsdD, involved in asexual development inAspergillus. In the present study, the regulatory roles of PoxNsdD inP. oxalicumwere further explored. Comparative transcriptomic profiling revealed that PoxNsdD regulates major genes involved in starch, cellulose, and hemicellulose degradation, as well as conidiation and pigment biosynthesis. Subsequent experiments confirmed that a ΔPoxNsdDstrain lost 43.9 to 78.8% of starch-digesting enzyme activity when grown on soluble corn starch, and it produced 54.9 to 146.0% more conidia than the ΔPoxKu70parental strain. During cultivation, ΔPoxNsdDcultures changed color, from pale orange to brick red, while the ΔPoxKu70cultures remained bluish white. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR showed thatPoxNsdDdynamically regulated the expression of a glucoamylase gene (POX01356/Amy15A), an α-amylase gene (POX09352/Amy13A), and a regulatory gene (POX03890/amyR), as well as a polyketide synthase gene (POX01430/alb1/wA) for yellow pigment biosynthesis and a conidiation-regulated gene (POX06534/brlA). Moreover,in vitrobinding experiments showed that PoxNsdD bound the promoter regions of the above-described genes. This work provides novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of fungal cellular processes and may assist in genetic engineering ofP.oxalicumfor potential industrial and medical applications.IMPORTANCEMost filamentous fungi produce a vast number of extracellular enzymes that are used commercially for biorefineries of plant biomass to produce biofuels and value-added chemicals, which might promote the transition to a more environmentally friendly economy. The expression of these extracellular enzyme genes is tightly controlled at the transcriptional level, which limits their yields. Hitherto our understanding of the regulation of expression of plant biomass-degrading enzyme genes in filamentous fungi has been rather limited. In the present study, regulatory roles of a key regulator, PoxNsdD, were further explored in the soil fungusPenicillium oxalicum, contributing to the understanding of gene regulation in filamentous fungi and revealing the biotechnological potential ofP.oxalicumvia genetic engineering.

scholarly journals Induction of Genes Encoding Plant Cell Wall-Degrading Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes by Lignocellulose-Derived Monosaccharides and Cellobiose in the White-Rot FungusDichomitus squalens

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Casado López ◽  
Mao Peng ◽  
Tedros Yonatan Issak ◽  
Paul Daly ◽  
Ronald P. de Vries ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Plant Cell ◽  
Plant Cell Wall ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
White Rot ◽  
White Rot Fungus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dichomitus Squalens

ABSTRACTFungi can decompose plant biomass into small oligo- and monosaccharides to be used as carbon sources. Some of these small molecules may induce metabolic pathways and the production of extracellular enzymes targeted for degradation of plant cell wall polymers. Despite extensive studies in ascomycete fungi, little is known about the nature of inducers for the lignocellulolytic systems of basidiomycetes. In this study, we analyzed six sugars known to induce the expression of lignocellulolytic genes in ascomycetes for their role as inducers in the basidiomycete white-rot fungusDichomitus squalensusing a transcriptomic approach. This identified cellobiose andl-rhamnose as the main inducers of cellulolytic and pectinolytic genes, respectively, ofD. squalens. Our results also identified differences in gene expression patterns between dikaryotic and monokaryotic strains ofD. squalenscultivated on plant biomass-derived monosaccharides and the disaccharide cellobiose. This suggests that despite conservation of the induction between these two genetic forms ofD. squalens, the fine-tuning in the gene regulation of lignocellulose conversion is differently organized in these strains.IMPORTANCEWood-decomposing basidiomycete fungi have a major role in the global carbon cycle and are promising candidates for lignocellulosic biorefinery applications. However, information on which components trigger enzyme production is currently lacking, which is crucial for the efficient use of these fungi in biotechnology. In this study, transcriptomes of the white-rot fungusDichomitus squalensfrom plant biomass-derived monosaccharide and cellobiose cultures were studied to identify compounds that induce the expression of genes involved in plant biomass degradation.

scholarly journals Deciphering Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanisms Associated with Hemicellulose Degradation in Neurospora crassa

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 482-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianping Sun ◽  
Chaoguang Tian ◽  
Spencer Diamond ◽  
N. Louise Glass
Keyword(s):  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Transcriptome Analysis ◽  
Plant Cell Wall ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Regulatory Mechanisms ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Cellulolytic Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hemicellulose Degradation

ABSTRACTHemicellulose, the second most abundant plant biomass fraction after cellulose, is widely viewed as a potential substrate for the production of liquid fuels and other value-added materials. Degradation of hemicellulose by filamentous fungi requires production of many different enzymes, which are induced by biopolymers or its derivatives and regulated mainly at the transcriptional level through transcription factors (TFs).Neurospora crassa, a model filamentous fungus, expresses and secretes enzymes required for plant cell wall deconstruction. To better understand genes specifically associated with degradation of hemicellulose, we applied secretome and transcriptome analysis toN. crassagrown on beechwood xylan. We identified 34 secreted proteins and 353 genes with elevated transcription on xylan. The xylanolytic phenotype of strains with deletions in genes identified from the secretome and transcriptome analysis of the wild type was assessed, revealing functions for known and unknown proteins associated with hemicellulose degradation. By evaluating phenotypes of strains containing deletions of predicted TF genes inN. crassa, we identified a TF (XLR-1;xylan degradationregulator1) essential for hemicellulose degradation that is an ortholog to XlnR/XYR1 inAspergillusandTrichodermaspecies, respectively, a major transcriptional regulator of genes encoding both cellulases and hemicellulases. Deletion ofxlr-1inN. crassaabolished growth on xylan and xylose, but growth on cellulose and cellulolytic activity were only slightly affected. To determine the regulatory mechanisms for hemicellulose degradation, we explored the transcriptional regulon of XLR-1 under xylose, xylanolytic, and cellulolytic conditions. XLR-1 regulated only some predicted hemicellulase genes inN. crassaand was required for a full induction of several cellulase genes. Hemicellulase gene expression was induced by a combination of release from carbon catabolite repression (CCR) and induction. This systematic analysis illustrates the similarities and differences in regulation of hemicellulose degradation among filamentous fungi.

scholarly journals Quantitative Proteome Profiling Reveals Cellobiose-Dependent Protein Processing and Export Pathways for the Lignocellulolytic Response in Neurospora crassa

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (15) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Liu ◽  
Yisong Liu ◽  
Duoduo Zhang ◽  
Xiaoting Chen ◽  
Qian Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Ribosome Biogenesis ◽  
Strain Improvement ◽  
Cellulase Production ◽  
Protein Processing ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Industrial Enzymes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proteome Profiling

ABSTRACT Filamentous fungi are intensively used for producing industrial enzymes, including lignocellulases. Employing insoluble cellulose to induce the production of lignocellulases causes some drawbacks, e.g., a complex fermentation operation, which can be overcome by using soluble inducers such as cellobiose. Here, a triple β-glucosidase mutant of Neurospora crassa, which prevents rapid turnover of cellobiose and thus allows the disaccharide to induce lignocellulases, was applied to profile the proteome responses to cellobiose and cellulose (Avicel). Our results revealed a shared proteomic response to cellobiose and Avicel, whose elements included lignocellulases and cellulolytic product transporters. While the cellulolytic proteins showed a correlated increase in protein and mRNA levels, only a moderate correlation was observed on a proteomic scale between protein and mRNA levels (R2 = 0.31). Ribosome biogenesis and rRNA processing were significantly overrepresented in the protein set with increased protein but unchanged mRNA abundances in response to Avicel. Ribosome biogenesis, as well as protein processing and protein export, was also enriched in the protein set that showed increased abundance in response to cellobiose. NCU05895, a homolog of yeast CWH43, is potentially involved in transferring a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor to nascent proteins. This protein showed increased abundance but no significant change in mRNA levels. Disruption of CWH43 resulted in a significant decrease in cellulase activities and secreted protein levels in cultures grown on Avicel, suggesting a positive regulatory role for CWH43 in cellulase production. The findings should have an impact on a systems engineering approach for strain improvement for the production of lignocellulases. IMPORTANCE Lignocellulases are important industrial enzymes for sustainable production of biofuels and bio-products. Insoluble cellulose has been commonly used to induce the production of lignocellulases in filamentous fungi, which causes a difficult fermentation operation and enzyme loss due to adsorption to cellulose. The disadvantages can be overcome by using soluble inducers, such as the disaccharide cellobiose. Quantitative proteome profiling of the model filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa revealed cellobiose-dependent pathways for cellulase production, including protein processing and export. A protein (CWH43) potentially involved in protein processing was found to be a positive regulator of lignocellulase production. The cellobiose-dependent mechanisms provide new opportunities to improve the production of lignocellulases in filamentous fungi.

scholarly journals Exploration of Two Pectate Lyases from Caldicellulosiruptor bescii Reveals that the CBM66 Module Has a Crucial Role in Pectic Biomass Degradation

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamed I. Hamouda ◽  
Nasir Ali ◽  
Hang Su ◽  
Jie Feng ◽  
Ming Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Degradation Products ◽  
Amino Acid Identity ◽  
Carbohydrate Binding ◽  
Carbohydrate Binding Module ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Acid Identity ◽  
Pectate Lyases ◽  
Caldicellulosiruptor Bescii

ABSTRACT Pectin deconstruction is the initial step in breaking the recalcitrance of plant biomass by using selected microorganisms that encode pectinolytic enzymes. Pectate lyases that cleave the α-1,4-galacturonosidic linkage of pectin are widely used in industries such as papermaking and fruit softening. However, there are few reports on pectate lyases with good thermostability. Here, two pectate lyases (CbPL3 and CbPL9) from a hyperthermophilic bacterium, Caldicellulosiruptor bescii, belonging to family 3 and family 9 polysaccharide lyases, respectively, were investigated. The biochemical properties of the two CbPLs were shown to be similar under optimized conditions of 80°C to 85°C and pH 8 to 9. However, the degradation products from pectin and polygalacturonic acids (pGAs) were different. A family 66 carbohydrate-binding module (CbCBM66) located in the N terminus of the two CbPLs shares 100% amino acid identity. A CbCBM66-truncated mutant of CbPL9 showed lower activities than the wild type, whereas CbPL3 with a CbCBM66 knockout portion was reported to have enhanced activities, thereby revealing the different effect of CbCBM66. Prediction by the I-TASSER server revealed that CbCBM66 is structurally close to BsCBM66 from Bacillus subtilis; however, the COFACTOR and COACH programs indicated that the substrate-binding sites between CbCBM66 and BsCBM66 are different. Furthermore, a substrate-binding assay indicated that the catalytic domains in the two CbPLs had strong affinities for pectate-related substrates, but CbCBM66 showed a weak interaction with a number of lignocellulosic carbohydrates. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and a total reducing sugar assay showed that the two enzymes could improve the saccharification of switchgrass. The two CbPLs are impressive sources for the degradation of plant biomass. IMPORTANCE Thermophilic proteins could be implemented in diverse industrial applications. We sought to characterize two pectate lyases, CbPL3 and CbPL9, from a thermophilic bacterium, Caldicellulosiruptor bescii. The two enzymes share a high optimum temperature, a low optimum pH, and good thermostability at the evaluated temperature. A family 66 carbohydrate-binding module (CbCBM66) was identified in the two CbPLs, sharing 100% amino acid identity. The deletion of CbCBM66 dramatically decreased the activity of CbPL9 but increased the activity and thermostability of CbPL3, suggesting different roles of CbCBM66 in the two enzymes. Moreover, the degradation products of the two CbPLs were different. These results revealed that these enzymes could represent potential pectate lyases for applications in the paper and textile industries.

scholarly journals Bioavailability of Carbohydrate Content in Natural and Transgenic Switchgrasses for the Extreme Thermophile Caldicellulosiruptor bescii

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (17) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey V. Zurawski ◽  
Piyum A. Khatibi ◽  
Hannah O. Akinosho ◽  
Christopher T. Straub ◽  
Scott H. Compton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Hydrothermal Treatment ◽  
Plant Cell Wall ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Carbohydrate Content ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Caldicellulosiruptor Bescii ◽  
Physical Chemical ◽  
Lignocellulose Conversion ◽  
Natural Variant

ABSTRACT Improving access to the carbohydrate content of lignocellulose is key to reducing recalcitrance for microbial deconstruction and conversion to fuels and chemicals. Caldicellulosiruptor bescii completely solubilizes naked microcrystalline cellulose, yet this transformation is impeded within the context of the plant cell wall by a network of lignin and hemicellulose. Here, the bioavailability of carbohydrates to C. bescii at 70°C was examined for reduced lignin transgenic switchgrass lines COMT3(+) and MYB Trans, their corresponding parental lines (cultivar Alamo) COMT3(−) and MYB wild type (WT), and the natural variant cultivar Cave-in-Rock (CR). Transgenic modification improved carbohydrate solubilization by C. bescii to 15% (2.3-fold) for MYB and to 36% (1.5-fold) for COMT, comparable to the levels achieved for the natural variant, CR (36%). Carbohydrate solubilization was nearly doubled after two consecutive microbial fermentations compared to one microbial step, but it never exceeded 50% overall. Hydrothermal treatment (180°C) prior to microbial steps improved solubilization 3.7-fold for the most recalcitrant line (MYB WT) and increased carbohydrate recovery to nearly 50% for the least recalcitrant lines [COMT3(+) and CR]. Alternating microbial and hydrothermal steps (T→M→T→M) further increased bioavailability, achieving carbohydrate solubilization ranging from 50% for MYB WT to above 70% for COMT3(+) and CR. Incomplete carbohydrate solubilization suggests that cellulose in the highly lignified residue was inaccessible; indeed, residue from the T→M→T→M treatment was primarily glucan and inert materials (lignin and ash). While C. bescii could significantly solubilize the transgenic switchgrass lines and natural variant tested here, additional or alternative strategies (physical, chemical, enzymatic, and/or genetic) are needed to eliminate recalcitrance. IMPORTANCE Key to a microbial process for solubilization of plant biomass is the organism's access to the carbohydrate content of lignocellulose. Economically viable routes will characteristically minimize physical, chemical, and biological pretreatment such that microbial steps contribute to the greatest extent possible. Recently, transgenic versions of plants and trees have been developed with the intention of lowering the barrier to lignocellulose conversion, with particular focus on lignin content and composition. Here, the extremely thermophilic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor bescii was used to solubilize natural and genetically modified switchgrass lines, with and without the aid of hydrothermal treatment. For lignocellulose conversion, it is clear that the microorganism, plant biomass substrate, and processing steps must all be considered simultaneously to achieve optimal results. Whether switchgrass lines engineered for low lignin or natural variants with desirable properties are used, conversion will depend on microbial access to crystalline cellulose in the plant cell wall.

scholarly journals Intron Retention Coupled with Nonsense-Mediated Decay is Involved in Cellulase Biosynthesis in Cellulolytic Fungi

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yichen Gao ◽  
Ai-Ping Pang ◽  
Leyao Ma ◽  
Haiyan Wang ◽  
Samran Durrani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Intron Retention ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cellulase Production ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Nonsense Mediated Decay ◽  
Tor Pathway ◽  
Regulatory Systems

Abstract Background Knowledge on regulatory networks associated with cellulase biosynthesis is prerequisite for exploitation of such regulatory systems in ehancing cellulase production with low cost. The biological functions of intron retention (IR) and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) in filamentous fungi is lack of study, let alone their roles in cellulase biosynthesis. Result We found that major cellulase genes (cel7a, cel7b, and cel3a) exhibited concomitant decrease in IR rates and increase in their gene expression in T. reesei under cellulase-producing condition (cellulose and lactose) that was accompanied with a more active NMD pathway, as compared to non cellulase-producing condition (glucose). In the presence of the NMD pathway inhibitor that successfully repressed the NMD pathway, the mRNA levels of cellulase genes were sharply down-regulated, but the rates of IR in these genes were significantly up-regulated. Consistently, the cellulase activities were severely inhibited. In addition, the NMD pathway inhibitor caused the downregulated mRNA levels of two important genes of the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway, trfkbp12 and trTOR1. The absence of gene trfkbp12 made the cellulase production in T. reesei more sensitive to the NMD pathway inhibitor. Conclusion All these findings suggest that the IR of cellulase genes regulates their own gene expression by coupling with the NMD pathway, which might involve the TOR pathway. Our results provide better understanding on intron retention, the NMD pathway, and cellulase production mechanism in filamentous fungi.

scholarly journals Carbon Catabolite Repression in Filamentous Fungi Is Regulated by Phosphorylation of the Transcription Factor CreA

mBio ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro José de Assis ◽  
Lilian Pereira Silva ◽  
Ozgur Bayram ◽  
Paul Dowling ◽  
Olaf Kniemeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Enzyme Activities ◽  
Catabolite Repression ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Carbon Catabolite Repression ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Protein Accumulation ◽  
Phosphorylation Sites ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Filamentous fungi of the genus Aspergillus are of particular interest for biotechnological applications due to their natural capacity to secrete carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) that target plant biomass. The presence of easily metabolizable sugars such as glucose, whose concentrations increase during plant biomass hydrolysis, results in the repression of CAZy-encoding genes in a process known as carbon catabolite repression (CCR), which is undesired for the purpose of large-scale enzyme production. To date, the C2H2 transcription factor CreA has been described as the major CC repressor in Aspergillus spp., although little is known about the role of posttranslational modifications in this process. In this work, phosphorylation sites were identified by mass spectrometry on Aspergillus nidulans CreA, and subsequently, the previously identified but uncharacterized site S262, the characterized site S319, and the newly identified sites S268 and T308 were chosen to be mutated to nonphosphorylatable residues before their effect on CCR was investigated. Sites S262, S268, and T308 are important for CreA protein accumulation and cellular localization, DNA binding, and repression of enzyme activities. In agreement with a previous study, site S319 was not important for several here-tested phenotypes but is key for CreA degradation and induction of enzyme activities. All sites were shown to be important for glycogen and trehalose metabolism. This study highlights the importance of CreA phosphorylation sites for the regulation of CCR. These sites are interesting targets for biotechnological strain engineering without the need to delete essential genes, which could result in undesired side effects. IMPORTANCE In filamentous fungi, the transcription factor CreA controls carbohydrate metabolism through the regulation of genes encoding enzymes required for the use of alternative carbon sources. In this work, phosphorylation sites were identified on Aspergillus nidulans CreA, and subsequently, the two newly identified sites S268 and T308, the previously identified but uncharacterized site S262, and the previously characterized site S319 were chosen to be mutated to nonphosphorylatable residues before their effect on CCR was characterized. Sites S262, S268, and T308 are important for CreA protein accumulation and cellular localization, DNA binding, and repression of enzyme activities. In agreement with a previous study, site S319 is not important for several here-tested phenotypes but is key for CreA degradation and induction of enzyme activities. This work characterized novel CreA phosphorylation sites under carbon catabolite-repressing conditions and showed that they are crucial for CreA protein turnover, control of carbohydrate utilization, and biotechnologically relevant enzyme production.

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