Expression analysis of fluG, a developmental factor in Aspergillus nidulans

Abstract

fluG (AN4819) is a gene present in Aspergillus nidulans that has been proved to be essential for the development of conidiophores. The FluG protein has been attributed to have enzymatic activity but no evidence is currently available on this aspect. Through bioinformatic analysis, two regions have been identified by sequence homology, and each region has been assigned an enzymatic function. On one hand, the N terminal region has been described as an amidohydrolase. On the other hand, the C terminus region has been described as a γ-glutamil ligase. Based on these hypothetical functions, a Q-PCR expression analysis study was performed with mutants affected in of both regions. The results show that disabling mutations increased expression. Assuming that substrates cause upregulation, and products, downregulation, the evidence supports a repressive effect by the product. Spectrofluorometry and western-blot techniques were also used to monitor protein levels and stability.