Unveiling the Functions of the VosA-VelB Target Gene vidD in Aspergillus nidulans

• Published in: Mycobiology Vol. 49; no. 3; pp. 258 - 266
• Main Authors: Son, Ye-Eun, Park, Hee-Soo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 04.05.2021; Taylor & Francis Group; 한국균학회
• Subjects: asexual development; cleistothecium; VelB; Velvet; VosA; 생물학
• ISSN: 1229-8093; 2092-9323
• DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2021.1926122

The velvet regulators VosA and VelB are primarily involved in spore maturation and dormancy. Previous studies found that the VosA-VelB hetero-complex coordinates certain target genes that are related to fungal differentiation and conidial maturation in Aspergillus nidulans. Here, we characterized the VosA/VelB-inhibited developmental gene vidD in A. nidulans. Phenotypic analyses demonstrated that the vidD deleted mutant exhibited defect fungal growth, a reduced number of conidia, and delayed formation of sexual fruiting bodies. The deletion of vidD decreased the amount of conidial trehalose, increased the sensitivity against heat stress, and reduced the conidial viability. Moreover, the absence of vidD resulted in increased production of sterigmatocystin. Together, these results show that VidD is required for proper fungal growth, development, and sterigmatocystin production in A. nidulans.