Fig 7. SclB regulates gene expression of early conidiation-activator encoding flbC and flbD.

A) qRT-PCR shows that flbC gene expression is downregulated in the absence of sclB and upregulated in the sclB OE strain during submerged vegetative growth (left). flbD gene expression is downregulated in ΔsclB as well. Expression of flbA, flbB and flbC is significantly upregulated in ΔsclB during growth on solid MM in light (right) (***P<0.001). B) Relationship between upstream factors of BrlA in the conidiation pathway. SclB activates flbC, flbD and brlA gene expression. C) Single and double mutants of the flb genes and sclB were point inoculated and grown for 3 d in light or dark. ΔflbC and ΔsclB show similar phenotypes. All ΔflbΔsclB mutants fail to form conidiophores, as shown in photomicrographs (PMG). Black bars = 200 μm.