Influence of in the Regulation of Antioxidant Function Melanin Biosynthesis in .

We have successfully identified the transcription factor from the fungus Hit-lcy3T, which regulates melanin biosynthesis genes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the Cmr1 gene encodes a protein of 945 amino acids, containing two CysHis zinc finger domains and a Zn(II)Cys binuclear cluster domain located at the N-terminus of . To investigate the function of the gene, we performed gene knockout and overexpression experiments. Our results showed that is a key regulator of melanin synthesis in Hit-lcy3, and its absence caused developmental defects. Conversely, overexpression of significantly increased the number of chlamydospores in Hit-lcy3 and improved melanin production. RT-qPCR analysis further revealed that overexpression of Cmr1 enhanced the expression of several genes involved in melanin biosynthesis, including , , , and . Melanin extracted from the Hit-lcy3 was characterized using UV and IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, we assessed the antioxidant properties of Hit-lcy3 melanin and found that it possesses strong scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS, and OH, but weaker activity against O. These findings suggest that Hit-lcy3 melanin holds promise for future development as a functional food additive.