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The Zn(II)2-Cys6-type zinc finger protein AoKap7 is involved in the growth, oxidative stress and kojic acid synthesis in Aspergillus oryzae

Summary

Scientists studied a protein called AoKap7 in a fungus (Aspergillus oryzae) that produces kojic acid, a substance used in cosmetics and medicine. When they removed this protein, the fungus grew faster but made less kojic acid and became more vulnerable to stress. The researchers found that AoKap7 controls several genes that help the fungus protect itself from harmful molecules and produce kojic acid efficiently.

Background

Kojic acid is a valuable secondary metabolite from Aspergillus oryzae with applications in cosmetics, food, medicine, and agriculture. Although the kojic acid gene cluster was identified in 2010, the functions of neighboring genes remain poorly understood. This study characterizes Aokap7, a gene adjacent to the kojic acid cluster.

Objective

To characterize the Aokap7 gene encoding a novel nucleus-localized zinc finger protein and elucidate its role in fungal growth, oxidative stress response, and kojic acid production in Aspergillus oryzae.

Results

Aokap7 disruption accelerated spore germination, hyphal growth, and conidial formation but impaired kojic acid production by 63%. Aokap7 regulates kojic acid through kojR and laeA genes and acts downstream of AozfA. Aokap7 preferentially binds to the motif 5′-CGGCTCGG-3′ and directly interacts with the AoGPX1 promoter, influencing ROS scavenging genes.

Conclusion

Aokap7 plays a pivotal role in coordinating growth, oxidative stress response, and kojic acid production in A. oryzae. The findings advance understanding of the regulatory network governing kojic acid synthesis and have implications for enhancing kojic acid production in industrial applications.
  • Published in:IMA Fungus,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41049870
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