Molecular mechanisms of cellulase gene induction by cooperation of transcription factors ClrB and McmA in filamentous fungi

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K15731
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 38020:Applied microbiology-related
• Research Institution: Mie University
• Principal Investigator: Kunitake Emi 三重大学, 生物資源学研究科, 准教授 (30800586)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 糸状菌 / Aspergillus nidulans / 遺伝子発現制御 / 転写因子 / セルラーゼ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of transcriptional induction of cellulase genes in Aspergillus nidulans. We analyzed the activation mechanism of the cellulase gene-specific transcriptional activator ClrB, interaction between ClrB and McmA, a transcription factor that cooperatively regulates cellulase genes, and regulation of cellulase and mannanase gene expression by ClrB and its paralog. The results showed that ClrB translocates into the nucleus in a cellobiose-dependent manner, and suggested that ClrB interacts with McmA in the nucleus. We also determined the regions involved in the regulation of nuclear localization and stability of ClrB. Furthermore, DNA sequences to which ClrB and its paralog bind simultaneously were found by in vitro analysis.

Free Research Field

応用微生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究においてモデル糸状菌Aspergillus nidulansのセルラーゼの生産制御メカニズムの一端を明らかにし、糸状菌の炭素源資化に関して学術的意義のある成果を得た。また、植物細胞壁分解酵素は植物バイオマスの分解に資する酵素として市場価値が高く、糸状菌はそれら酵素の供給源として注目されていることから、本研究成果は効率的な酵素生産方法の技術開発においても重要な基盤情報となると考えている。