NsdC and NsdD affect Aspergillus flavus morphogenesis and aflatoxin production

Eukaryot Cell. 2012 Sep;11(9):1104-11. doi: 10.1128/EC.00069-12. Epub 2012 Jul 13.

Abstract

The transcription factors NsdC and NsdD are required for sexual development in Aspergillus nidulans. We now show these proteins also play a role in asexual development in the agriculturally important aflatoxin (AF)-producing fungus Aspergillus flavus. We found that both NsdC and NsdD are required for production of asexual sclerotia, normal aflatoxin biosynthesis, and conidiophore development. Conidiophores in nsdC and nsdD deletion mutants had shortened stipes and altered conidial heads compared to those of wild-type A. flavus. Our results suggest that NsdC and NsdD regulate transcription of genes required for early processes in conidiophore development preceding conidium formation. As the cultures aged, the ΔnsdC and ΔnsdD mutants produced a dark pigment that was not observed in the wild type. Gene expression data showed that although AflR is expressed at normal levels, a number of aflatoxin biosynthesis genes are expressed at reduced levels in both nsd mutants. Expression of aflD, aflM, and aflP was greatly reduced in nsdC mutants, and neither aflatoxin nor the proteins for these genes could be detected. Our results support previous studies showing that there is a strong association between conidiophore and sclerotium development and aflatoxin production in A. flavus.

MeSH terms

  • Aflatoxins / biosynthesis*
  • Aspergillus flavus / genetics*
  • Aspergillus flavus / growth & development*
  • Aspergillus flavus / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Morphogenesis / genetics*
  • Spores, Fungal / growth & development
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • AFLR protein, Aspergillus
  • Aflatoxins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Transcription Factors