Control of fungal development & secondary metabolism

The filamentous fungus A. nidulans develops in light preferentially asexual spores and in darkness more sexual fruiting bodies (cleistotheica). Sexual development is coordinated to secondary metabolism. The trimeric VelB-VeA-LaeA complex is required for sexual development and the formation of toxins of the aflatoxin familiy. We analyse the interplay between oxidative stress, protein degradation and hyphal growth. A major focus is on the genetic and epigenetic control of light control, development and secondary metabolism. We emphasize on the velvet family and their interactors.