The genetics of conidiophore pigmentation in Aspergillus nidulans.

The grey-brown pigmentation of Aspergillus nidulans conidiophores depends on the functions of two 'ivory' loci. ivoB codes for a developmental specific phenol oxidase, and mutants accumulate its substrate N-acetyl-6-hydroxytryptophan. ivoA mutants are unable to make this substrate. ygA mutants are also poorly pigmented, and extracts require copper salts to activate both the phenol oxidase and conidial laccase. ivoA and ivoB mutants partially suppress the spore colour phenotype of ygA mutants. Comparisons of morphology, phenol oxidase and substrate accumulation in morphological mutants at the brlA locus suggest that the brlA protein regulates ivoA, ivoB and morphogenetic loci independently. The medA locus, which also affects morphology and pigmentation, may code for a modifier of brlA function. abaA mutants which are blocked at a later stage of development than brlA or medA mutants have low phenol oxidase levels, implying that by this stage of development the activity of the ivoB locus is declining.