Involvement of PaSNF1 in Fungal Development, Sterigmatocystin Biosynthesis, and Lignocellulosic Degradation in the Filamentous Fungus Podospora anserina

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 thePodospora anserinaSNF1 (PaSNF1) ortholog were investigated. The Delta PaSNF1mutant displays a delayed development of mycelium and fruiting bodies and fails to form ascospores. The expression of thePaSNF1gene in the strain providing female organs in a cross is sufficient to ensure fertility, indicating a maternal effect. Results of environmental stress showed that Delta PaSNF1was hypersensitive to stress, such as osmotic pressure and heat shock, and resistant to fluconazole. Interestingly, the knockout ofPaSNF1significantly promoted sterigmatocystin (ST) synthesis but suppressed cellulase [filter paperase (FPA), endoglucanase (EG), and beta-glucosidase (BG)] activity. Further, transcriptome analysis indicated thatPaSNF1made positive regulatory effects on the expression of genes encoding cellulolytic enzymes. These results suggested thatPaSNF1may 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 inP. anserina.