Regulation effect of crgA on carotenoid production in Blakeslea trispora

Abstract:

[Objective] We studied the regulation of crgA on carotenoid biosynthesis by Blakeslea trispora.[Methods] crgA was cloned from B. trispora and then disrupted by using split-marker strategy. Phenotypic characteristics, transcription of key enzyme genes and carotenoid accumulation between the wide-type and mutant strain were compared.[Results] In contrast to those of wild-type strain, the spore-forming ability of the mutant was weakened but transcription of key enzyme genes in the pathway of carotenoid biosynthesis increased and β-carotene production in the mycelia was improved by 31.2% after cultured for 120 h. After crgA was transformed into the mutant, the strain restored the phenotype as those of the wild-type strain.[Conclusion] crgA could regulate spore-forming and mycelia growth. Besides, the gene controlled carotenoid synthesis by regulating the transcription of key enzyme genes, which indicates that crgA is a negative regulator in Blakeslea trispora.