ABSTRACT
A gene encoding the Zn(II)(2)Cys(6) transcriptional factor is clustered with two genes involved in biosynthesis of a secondary metabolite, kojic acid (KA), in Aspergillus oryzae. We determined that the gene was essential for KA production and the transcriptional activation of KA biosynthetic genes, which were triggered by the addition of KA.
Subject(s)
Aspergillus oryzae/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal/drug effects , Pyrones/metabolism , Aspergillus oryzae/genetics , Cysteine/biosynthesis , Cysteine/genetics , Cysteine/metabolism , DNA, Fungal/metabolism , Fungal Proteins/biosynthesis , Fungal Proteins/genetics , Fungal Proteins/metabolism , Genes, Fungal , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Transcription Factors/biosynthesis , Transcriptional Activation/drug effectsABSTRACT
Kojic acid is produced in large amounts by Aspergillus oryzae as a secondary metabolite and is widely used in the cosmetic industry. Glucose can be converted to kojic acid, perhaps by only a few steps, but no genes for the conversion have thus far been revealed. Using a DNA microarray, gene expression profiles under three pairs of conditions significantly affecting kojic acid production were compared. All genes were ranked using an index parameter reflecting both high amounts of transcription and a high induction ratio under producing conditions. After disruption of nine candidate genes selected from the top of the list, two genes of unknown function were found to be responsible for kojic acid biosynthesis, one having an oxidoreductase motif and the other a transporter motif. These two genes are closely associated in the genome, showing typical characteristics of genes involved in secondary metabolism.
