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The KdmB-EcoA-RpdA-SntB (KERS) chromatin regulatory complex controls development, secondary metabolism and

Betim Karahoda1, Brandon T Pfannenstiel2, Özlem Sarikaya-Bayram1

  • 1Biology Department, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.

Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|September 4, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The KERS complex, including KdmB and RpdA, regulates Aspergillus flavus development and mycotoxin production by controlling gene clusters and histone modifications. This chromatin complex is crucial for fungal growth and secondary metabolite metabolism.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • * Aspergillus flavus is a soil-borne pathogen producing harmful mycotoxins like aflatoxin.
  • * A novel nuclear chromatin binding complex (KERS) was identified in Aspergillus nidulans, comprising KdmB, EcoA, RpdA, and SntB.
  • * Understanding chromatin regulation in A. flavus is key to controlling its pathogenic and metabolic activities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To confirm the presence of the KERS complex in Aspergillus flavus.
  • * To investigate the roles of KdmB and RpdA in fungal development, secondary metabolite (SM) production, and histone modifications.
  • * To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms linking chromatin structure to fungal pathogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • * Immunoprecipitation-coupled mass spectrometry to identify the KERS complex in A. flavus.
  • * Construction and analysis of kdmBΔ and rpdAΔ mutant strains.
  • * Assessment of fungal development (conidiation, sclerotia formation), SM production, and histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs).

Main Results:

  • * The KERS complex, including KdmB and RpdA, is present in A. flavus.
  • * KdmB and RpdA oppositely regulate light-induced conidiation but positively regulate sclerotia development.
  • * KdmB and RpdA are essential for producing aflatoxin, cyclopiazonic acid, ditryptophenaline, and leporin B by controlling SM gene clusters.
  • * KdmB and RpdA influence H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 levels, while RpdA also affects H3K14ac.

Conclusions:

  • * The KERS complex components KdmB and RpdA are critical regulators of fungal development and secondary metabolism in Aspergillus flavus.
  • * These chromatin modifiers link fungal light responses, development, and mycotoxin biosynthesis.
  • * Targeting the KERS complex offers potential strategies for controlling A. flavus pathogenicity and mycotoxin contamination.

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