Heterogeneity in Spore Aggregation and Germination Results in Different Sized, Cooperative Microcolonies in an Aspergillus niger Culture.

ABSTRACT: The fungus Aspergillus niger is among the most abundant fungi in the world and is widely used as a cell factory for protein and metabolite production. This fungus forms asexual spores called conidia that are used for dispersal. Notably, part of the spores and germlings aggregate in an aqueous environment. The aggregated conidia/germlings give rise to large microcolonies, while the nonaggregated spores/germlings result in small microcolonies. Here, it is shown that small microcolonies release a larger variety and quantity of secreted proteins compared to large microcolonies. Yet, the secretome of large microcolonies has complementary cellulase activity with that of the small microcolonies. Also, large microcolonies are more resistant to heat and oxidative stress compared to small microcolon

SUBMITTER: Lyu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9973262 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature