HAP-like CCAAT-binding complexes in filamentous fungi: Implications for biotechnology

Regulatory CCAAT boxes are found frequently in eukaryotic promoter regions. They are bound by different CCAAT-binding factors. Until now, a single CCA AT-binding complex has been reported in fungi. It is also found in higher e ukaryotes and is highly conserved among eukaryotic organisms. This multimer ic protein complex is designated HAP, AnCF, CBF, or NF-Y. The complex consi sts of at least three subunits. In fungi, only the MAP complex of Saccharom yces cerevisiae had been known for a long time. The recent cloning of genes encoding the components of the corresponding complex (AnCF/PENR1) of Asper gillus nidulans and characterization of CCAAT-regulated genes in A. nidulan s, as well as other filamentous fungi, led to a deeper insight into the rol e of this transcription complex, in particular in aerobically growing fungi . An overview of the function of MAP-like complexes in gene regulation in f ilamentous fungi is presented. Some of the genes that have been found to be regulated by MAP-like complexes encode enzymes of biotechnological interes t, like taka-amylase, xylanases, cellobiohydrolase, and penicillin biosynth esis enzymes. The importance of MAP-like complexes in controlling the expre ssion of biotechnologically important genes is discussed. (C) 1999 Academic Press.