Light-Dependent Functions of the Fusarium fujikuroi CryD DASH Cryptochrome in Development and Secondary Metabolism

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.03110-12
• Publication Date: 2013-02-16T07:54:52Z
• Authors: Marta Castrillo; Jorge García-Mart...; Javier Avalos
• Keywords: Wild type; Secondary metabolism; Phycomyces blakesleeanus; Conidiation; Photomorphogenesis

ABSTRACT DASH ( Drosophila , Arabidopsis Synechocystis human) cryptochromes (cry-DASHs) constitute a subgroup of the photolyase cryptochrome family with diverse light-sensing roles, found in most taxonomical groups. The genome Fusarium fujikuroi phytopathogenic fungus rich secondary metabolism, contains gene encoding putative cry-DASH, named CryD. expression cryD is induced by light wild type, but not mutants “white collar” wcoA . Targeted Δ show light-dependent phenotypic alterations, including changes morphology and pigmentation, which disappear upon reintroduction wild-type allele. In addition to microconidia, colonies produced under illumination nitrogen starvation large septated spores called macroconidia, absent colonies. accumulated similar amounts carotenoids control strain constant illumination, much larger bikaverin starvation, indicating repressing role for CryD this biosynthetic pathway. Additionally, moderate photoinduction gibberellin production was exhibited type mutants. alterations were only noticeable light, as expected from low dark, did correlate mRNA levels structural genes or pathways, suggesting participation posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms. This first report on cry-DASH protein regulation fungal metabolism.