1887

Abstract

The opportunistic human pathogen produces a massive number of asexual spores (conidia) as the primary means of dispersal, survival, genome protection and infection of hosts. In this report, we investigate the functions of two developmental regulators, AbaA and WetA, in . The gene is predicted to encode an ATTS/TEA DNA-binding domain protein and is activated by BrlA during the middle stage of asexual development (conidiation). The deletion of results in the formation of aberrant conidiophores exhibiting reiterated cylinder-like terminal cells lacking spores. Furthermore, the absence of causes delayed autolysis and cell death, whereas the overexpression of accelerates these processes, indicating an additional role for AbaA. The gene is sequentially activated by AbaA in the late phase of conidiation. The deletion of causes the formation of defective spore walls and a lack of trehalose biogenesis, leading to a rapid loss of spore viability and reduced tolerance to various stresses. This is the first report to demonstrate that WetA is essential for trehalose biogenesis in conidia. Moreover, the absence of causes delayed germ-tube formation and reduced hyphal branching, suggesting a role of WetA in the early phase of fungal growth. A genetic model depicting the regulation of conidiation in is proposed.

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2011-02-01
2024-03-28
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