The role of the Flb protein family in the life cycle of Aspergillus niger

Genes flbA-E are involved in sporulation and vegetative growth in Aspergillus nidulans. Inactivation of either of these genes results in a fluffy phenotype with delayed or even abolished sporulation. Previously, a non-sporulating phenotype was obtained by inactivating flbA in Aspergillus niger, which was accompanied by lysis, thinner cell walls, and an increased secretome complexity. Here, we further studied the role of the flb genes of A. niger. Strains ΔflbA, ΔflbB and ΔflbE showed increased biomass formation, while inactivation of flbA-D reduced, or even abolished, formation of conidia. Strain ΔflbA was more sensitive to H