The concerted action of bZip and cMyb transcription factors FlbB and FlbD induces brlA expression and asexual development in Aspergillus nidulans

Abstract

Fungi are capable of generating diverse cell types through developmental processes that stem from hyphae, acting as pluripotent cells. The formation of mitospores on emergence of hyphae to the air involves the participation of transcription factors, which co-ordinate the genesis of new cell types, eventually leading to spore formation. In this investigation, we show that bZip transcription factor FlbB, which has been attributed to participate in transducing the aerial stimulus signal, activates the expression of c-Myb transcription factor FlbD. Both factors then jointly activate brlA, a C 2H2 zinc finger transcription factor, which plays a central role in spore formation. This sequence of regulatory events resembles developmental control mechanisms involving c-Myb and bZip counterparts in metazoans and plants. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.