Substrate-dependent differential expression of Humicola grisea var. thermoidea cellobiohydrolase genes

Transcription of fungal cellulase genes may be affected by substrate induction. We studied the expression of Humicola grisea var. thermoidea cellobiohydrolase genes (cbh1.1 and cbh1.2) under induction by several soluble and insoluble carbon sources. Using the RT-PCR technique, the cbh1.2 transcript was detected in all the conditions assayed along the growth curve. Catabolite repression, which frequently occurs in other fungal celluloytic systems, was not observed. On the other hand, cbh1.1 transcription was shown to be driven by insoluble and complex lignocellulosic substrates. In summary, the cbh1.2 gene product is constitutively produced, while cbh1.1 seems to respond to a distinct regulatory mechanism.