The veA gene of the pine needle pathogen Dothistroma septosporum regulates sporulation and secondary metabolism

摘要: Fungi possess genetic systems to regulate the expression of genes involved in complex processes such as development and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The product velvet gene veA, first identified characterized Aspergillus nidulans, is a key player regulation both these processes. Since its discovery characterization many species, VeA has been found have similar functions other fungi, including Dothideomycete Mycosphaerella graminicola. Another Dothideomycete, Dothistroma septosporum, pine needle pathogen that produces dothistromin, polyketide toxin very closely related aflatoxin (AF) sterigmatocystin (ST) synthesized by spp. Dothistromin unusual that, unlike most metabolites, it produced mainly during early exponential growth phase culture. It was therefore interest determine whether dothistromin production D. septosporum differs from AF/ST To begin address this question, veA ortholog function analyzed septosporum. Inactivation resulted reduced corresponding decrease biosynthetic genes. Expression putative synthases non-ribosomal peptide showed range different responses loss Ds-veA. Asexual sporulation also significantly mutants, accompanied reduction stuA regulatory gene. mutants were, however, able infect Pinus radiata seedlings complete their life cycle under laboratory conditions. Overall work suggests control developmental pathways.