An assay on the los1 gene in Ascomycota

Ascomycota contains the most numerous groups of fungi and playing important roles in most of ecosystems. Diverse aspects of their activities, ascomycetes are known as fascinating subjects of biological studies, including exploration of new strategies for alteration of fungal lifespan. The gene los1, directly involving in nucleus-cytoplasm tRNA trafficking, plays a critical role in fungal growth rate, as well as its drug resistance. Here, we investigated an upstream region of the gene los1; among 10 species belong to Ascomycota. Furthermore, its homologue was knocked out from Aspergillus fumigatus, and its subsequent influences on any changes in expression of some related genes and drug resistance were evaluated. Our results suggest that in Ascomycota, the upstream region of los1 contains recognition sites for transcription factors SFP1 and FKH1. There is also a low probability that the transcription factor YAP6 binds to the upstream region of this gene. Besides, its deletion may lead to increase of fungal lifespan, as well as its resistance to bleomycin, while it presents more sensitivity to cycloheximide. The results of this study can be used in more targeted and intelligent selection of fungal antibiotics. In addition, information about the role of los1 gene in the growth and lifespan of ascomycetes, as well as their drug resistance and sensitivity, can be used in the design and manufacture of industrial strains.