The regulatory network of Coprinopsis cinerea transcription factor Skn7 collaborates with bHLH1 during fungal-fungal interactions

Abstract

Fungal-fungal interactions are widespread and play a significant role in the function and stability of ecosystems. This study reveals the molecular mechanisms by which Coprinopsis cinerea employs the transcription factors Skn7 and bHLH1 to coordinately regulate antioxidant defense mechanisms during its antagonistic interaction with Gongronella butleri w5. Skn7 not only directly regulates the expression of intracellular antioxidative enzymes and laccases but also regulates secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes. The two transcription factors collaborate to protect C. cinerea against oxidative stress. These findings deepen our understanding of signal transduction and defense mechanisms during fungal interactions, as well as provide new insights into the regulation of secondary metabolites in fungi.