Involvement of in Fungal Development, Sterigmatocystin Biosynthesis, and Lignocellulosic Degradation in the Filamentous Fungus .

The sucrose non-fermenting 1/AMP-activated protein kinase (SNF1/AMPK) is a central regulator of carbon metabolism and energy production in the eukaryotes. In this study, the functions of the SNF1 (PaSNF1) ortholog were investigated. The Δ mutant displays a delayed development of mycelium and fruiting bodies and fails to form ascospores. The expression of the gene in the strain providing female organs in a cross is sufficient to ensure fertility, indicating a maternal effect. Results of environmental stress showed that Δ was hypersensitive to stress, such as osmotic pressure and heat shock, and resistant to fluconazole. Interestingly, the knockout of significantly promoted sterigmatocystin (ST) synthesis but suppressed cellulase [filter paperase (FPA), endoglucanase (EG), and β-glucosidase (BG)] activity. Further, transcriptome analysis indicated that made positive regulatory effects on the expression of genes encoding cellulolytic enzymes. These results suggested that may function in balancing the operation of primary and secondary metabolism. This study suggested that SNF1 was a key regulator concerting vegetative growth, sexual development, and stress tolerance. Our study provided the first genetic evidence that SNF1 was involved in the ST biosynthesis and that it may also be a major actor of lignocellulose degradation in .