Blocking utilization of major plant biomass polysaccharides leads Aspergillus niger towards utilization of minor components.

ABSTRACT: Fungi produce a wide range of enzymes that allow them to grow on diverse plant biomass. Wheat bran is a low-cost substrate with high potential for biotechnological applications. It mainly contains cellulose and (arabino)xylan, with starch, proteins, lipids and lignin as minor components. In this study, we dissected the regulatory network governing wheat bran degradation in Aspergillus niger. Deletion of genes encoding transcription factors involved in (hemi-)cellulose utilization (XlnR, AraR, ClrA and ClrB) individually and in combination significantly reduced production of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, but retained substantial growth on wheat bran. Proteomic analysis suggested the ability of A. niger to grow on minor carbon components, such as starch, which was confirmed by the additional deletion of the amylolytic regulator AmyR. Growth was further reduced but not impaired, indicating that other minor components provide sufficient energy for residual growth, displaying the flexibility of A. niger, and likely other fungi, in carbon utilization.

INSTRUMENT(S): LTQ Orbitrap Velos

ORGANISM(S): Aspergillus Niger Nrrl3

TISSUE(S): Cell Culture, Vegetative Cell (sensu Fungi)

SUBMITTER: Marcos Di Falco  

LAB HEAD: Ronald de Vries

PROVIDER: PXD023338 | Pride | 2021-06-28

REPOSITORIES: pride