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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
Describing a Transcription Factor Dependent Regulation of the MicroRNA Transcriptome
Published on: June 15, 2016
Two transcription factors cooperatively regulate DHN melanin biosynthesis and development in Pestalotiopsis fici
Peng Zhang1,2, Shuang Zhou1,2, Gang Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Fungal 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin plays important roles in UV protection, oxidative stress and pathogenesis. However, knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of its biosynthesis is limited. Previous studies showed two transcription factors, PfmaF and PfmaH, located in the DHN melanin biosynthetic gene cluster (Pfma) in Pestalotiopsis fici. In this study, deletion of PfmaH resulted in loss of melanin and affected conidia cell wall integrity. Specifically, PfmaH directly regulates the expression of scytalone dehydratase, which catalyzes the transition of scytalone to T3 HN. However, PfmaF disruption using CRISPR/Cas9 system affected neither DHN melanin distribution nor conidia cell wall integrity in P. fici. Unexpectedly, overexpression of PfmaF leads to heavy pigment accumulation in P. fici hyphae. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses provide insight into the roles of PfmaF and PfmaH in DHN melanin regulation. PfmaH, as a pathway specific regulator, mainly regulates melanin biosynthesis that contributes to cell wall development. Furthermore, PfmaF functions as a broad regulator to stimulate PfmaH expression in melanin production, secondary metabolism as well as fungal development.
Insights
Fungal 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin biosynthesis is regulated by PfmaH, impacting cell wall integrity. PfmaF broadly stimulates PfmaH, influencing melanin, metabolism, and fungal development.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Fungal 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin is crucial for UV protection, oxidative stress response, and pathogenesis.
- Regulatory mechanisms governing DHN melanin biosynthesis in fungi remain incompletely understood.
- Two transcription factors, PfmaF and PfmaH, within the DHN melanin biosynthetic gene cluster (Pfma) of *Pestalotiopsis fici* were previously identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the specific roles of transcription factors PfmaF and PfmaH in regulating DHN melanin biosynthesis in *Pestalotiopsis fici*.
- To investigate the impact of these regulators on fungal development and cell wall integrity.
Main Methods:
- Gene deletion and overexpression techniques were employed to study PfmaH and PfmaF.
- CRISPR/Cas9 system was utilized for gene disruption.
- Transcriptome analysis and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) were performed to assess gene expression patterns.
Main Results:
- Deletion of PfmaH led to a complete loss of DHN melanin production and compromised conidia cell wall integrity.
- PfmaH was confirmed to directly regulate scytalone dehydratase, a key enzyme in DHN melanin synthesis.
- Disruption of PfmaF did not affect DHN melanin distribution or cell wall integrity, but its overexpression resulted in significant pigment accumulation in hyphae.
- Transcriptome and qRT-PCR data revealed PfmaH as a pathway-specific regulator essential for melanin biosynthesis and cell wall development.
- PfmaF was identified as a broader regulator that enhances PfmaH expression, influencing melanin production, secondary metabolism, and overall fungal development.
Conclusions:
- PfmaH is a critical, pathway-specific transcription factor essential for DHN melanin biosynthesis and fungal cell wall integrity in *P. fici*.
- PfmaF acts as a global regulator, amplifying DHN melanin production by stimulating PfmaH, and also impacts secondary metabolism and fungal development.
- These findings provide significant insights into the complex regulatory network controlling DHN melanin biosynthesis in fungi.
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