RNAseq reveals hydrophobins that are involved in the adaptation of Aspergillus nidulans to lignocellulose.BACKGROUND

RNAseq
In turn, we adopted an RNA-sequencing approach to interrogate how the model fungus, Aspergillus nidulans, adapts to SEB, revealing the induction of carbon starvation responses and the lignocellulolytic machinery, in addition to morphological adaptations. 
RNA-sequencing approach
RNAseq reveals hydrophobins that are involved in the adaptation of Aspergillus nidulans to lignocellulose.BACKGROUND
 In turn, we adopted an RNA-sequencing approach to interrogate how the model fungus, Aspergillus nidulans, adapts to SEB, revealing the induction of carbon starvation responses and the lignocellulolytic machinery, in addition to morphological adaptations. 
Aspergillus nidulans
Waste steam-exploded sugarcane bagasse (SEB) is a cheap, abundant, and renewable lignocellulosic feedstock for the next-generation biofuels. 
sugarcane bagasse
Waste steam-exploded sugarcane bagasse (SEB) is a cheap, abundant, and renewable lignocellulosic feedstock for the next-generation biofuels. 
lignocellulosic feedstock
Instead, fungi predominantly form biofilms that allow them to thrive in hostile environments.


 This novel study highlights the importance of hydrophobins to the formation of biofilms and the efficient deconstruction of lignocellulose.
biofilms
RNAseq reveals hydrophobins that are involved in the adaptation of Aspergillus nidulans to lignocellulose.BACKGROUND
 Genetic analyses showed the importance of hydrophobins for growth on SEB.  The absence of the RodA or DewC hydrophobins reduced biofilm formation.  Hence, hydrophobins promote biofilm formation on SEB, and may enhance lignocellulose utilisation via promoting a compact substrate-enzyme-fungus structure.


 This novel study highlights the importance of hydrophobins to the formation of biofilms and the efficient deconstruction of lignocellulose.
hydrophobins
The major hydrophobin, RodA, was retained within the fungal biofilm on SEB fibres.  The absence of the RodA or DewC hydrophobins reduced biofilm formation.  The loss of a RodA or a functional StuA reduced the retention of the hydrolytic enzymes within the vicinity of the fungus. 
RodA
The absence of the RodA or DewC hydrophobins reduced biofilm formation. 
DewC
The StuA transcription factor that regulates fungal morphology was up-regulated during growth on SEB and controlled hydrophobin gene induction. 
StuA transcription factor