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Molecular Mechanism by Which the GATA Transcription Factor CcNsdD2 Regulates the Developmental Fate of Coprinopsis cinerea Under Dark or Light Conditions

Summary

This research reveals how a key genetic regulator controls mushroom development in response to light. The study found that a protein called CcNsdD2 acts like a master switch that helps determine whether fungal tissues develop into mushrooms or into dormant structures called sclerotia. This process depends on both the amount of CcNsdD2 present and whether light is available. Impacts on everyday life: – Improved understanding of mushroom cultivation and production – Potential applications for optimizing commercial mushroom farming – Better insight into how organisms respond to environmental signals like light – Advances knowledge of biological development and regulation – Could lead to more efficient production of edible and medicinal mushrooms

Background

The development of basidiomycete fruiting bodies requires coordination between genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. In Coprinopsis cinerea, primary hyphal knots form from single hyphae upon nutrient depletion. These can develop into either sclerotia (resting bodies) in darkness or secondary hyphal knots and fruiting bodies under light/dark cycles. Understanding the transcriptional regulation of this developmental process is important.

Objective

To investigate the molecular mechanism by which the GATA transcription factor CcNsdD2 regulates fruiting body development in C. cinerea under different light conditions, particularly focusing on how it controls the fate of primary hyphal knots.

Results

Double knockdown of CcnsdD1/nsdD2 led to defects in fruiting body formation and caused primary hyphal knots to develop into sclerotia rather than secondary hyphal knots under light/dark conditions. CcNsdD2 was found to directly bind to and regulate key genes involved in hyphal knot formation including cfs1, cfs2, cgl1, and hyd1 through a GATC motif. Overexpression of CcnsdD2 increased production of primary hyphal knots, secondary hyphal knots and fruiting bodies under light/dark conditions but only increased primary hyphal knots and sclerotia in darkness.

Conclusion

CcNsdD2 promotes primary hyphal knot formation by directly regulating key developmental genes, but the ultimate fate of these structures depends on light conditions. The transcription factor works together with light-activated photoreceptors to control the differentiation of primary hyphal knots into either secondary hyphal knots/fruiting bodies or sclerotia. This provides new insights into the transcriptional control of fungal fruiting body development.
  • Published in:mBio,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1128/mbio.03626-21
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