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Hydrophobin CmHYD1 is Involved in Conidiation, Infection and Primordium Formation, and Regulated by GATA Transcription Factor CmAreA in Edible Fungus, Cordyceps militaris

Summary

This research investigated how a specific protein called CmHYD1 controls various aspects of mushroom development in the edible fungus Cordyceps militaris. The study revealed that this protein is essential for normal fungal growth, spore production, and mushroom formation. The findings help us better understand how mushrooms develop and could potentially improve mushroom cultivation. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to improved methods for growing medicinal and edible mushrooms • May help develop better fungal-based products and medicines • Contributes to understanding how to control fungal growth in agricultural settings • Could aid in developing more efficient mushroom production techniques • Helps advance our knowledge of how to manipulate fungal development for human benefit

Background

Hydrophobins are small cysteine-rich amphiphilic proteins produced exclusively by fungi that play various roles in fungal life cycles. Cmhyd1, a class II hydrophobin member in Cordyceps militaris, shows high transcript levels during fruiting body development, but its specific functions remain to be verified.

Objective

To characterize the functions of Cmhyd1 in C. militaris development and investigate how it is regulated. The study aimed to understand the role of Cmhyd1 in conidiation, infection, primordium formation and its regulation by the GATA transcription factor CmAreA.

Results

Deletion of Cmhyd1 resulted in reduced aerial mycelia, conidiation, hydrophobicity and infection ability, and complete inhibition of pigmentation and primordium differentiation. Cmhyd1 regulated conidiation and infection through Cmfrq and Cmvosa genes, and primordium formation via the MAPK signaling pathway. CmAreA was found to directly bind to the Cmhyd1 promoter and activate its transcription with coactivator CmOTam. CmHYD1 was also shown to regulate CmAreA transcription through a positive feedback loop.

Conclusion

The study revealed diverse roles for Cmhyd1 in C. militaris development, including aerial mycelial growth, conidiation, pigmentation, infection and primordium formation. The research established a regulatory mechanism where CmAreA directly activates Cmhyd1 transcription, while CmHYD1 regulates CmAreA through positive feedback. These findings provide important insights into hydrophobin function and regulation in mushroom development.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof7080674
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