Species-specific gene regulatory network rewiring mediated by the GATA-type regulator NsdD in Aspergillus [Ani_NsdD_RNA_seq]

Multifunctional TFs are central in coordinating development and metabolism in filamentous fungi. In this study, we systematically dissect the regulatory functions of NsdD, a highly conserved GATA-type TF in Pezizomycotina, using network-based multi-omics approaches in two distantly related species, A. nidulans and A. flavus. Our analyses reveal that NsdD governs fungal development and metabolism through species-specific GRNs, directly targeting key upstream regulators and genes involved in core cellular processes. These regulatory distinctions underlie the morphological and metabolic differences observed between the two species. Notably, our cross-species comparison uncovers extensive GRN rewiring, demonstrating how evolutionary divergence can reshape transcriptional networks even under conserved regulatory control. The resulting GRN maps offer a valuable framework for understanding gene regulation in Aspergillus and provide a foundation for broader studies on the evolution of transcriptional networks and conserved regulatory factors in filamentous fungi. Comparative gene expression profiling analysis by high throughput sequencing for wild-type and nsdD-deletion strains.多功能转录因子（Transcription Factor, TF）在丝状真菌的发育与代谢协调过程中发挥核心作用。本研究以亲缘关系较远的构巢曲霉（Aspergillus nidulans, A. nidulans）和黄曲霉（Aspergillus flavus, A. flavus）为研究对象，采用基于网络的多组学研究方法，系统解析了盘菌亚门中高度保守的GATA型转录因子NsdD的调控功能。分析结果显示，NsdD通过物种特异性基因调控网络（Gene Regulatory Network, GRN）调控真菌的发育与代谢，直接靶向关键上游调控因子及参与核心细胞进程的基因。这类调控差异正是两个物种间形态与代谢差异的内在分子基础。值得注意的是，跨物种比较揭示了广泛的基因调控网络重连现象，证实即便在保守的调控机制下，进化分化也可重塑转录调控网络。本研究构建的基因调控网络图谱，为理解曲霉属（Aspergillus）的基因调控机制提供了极具价值的研究框架，同时也为后续开展丝状真菌转录调控网络进化及保守调控因子的相关研究奠定了重要基础。本研究通过高通量测序技术，对野生型菌株与nsdD敲除菌株开展了比较基因表达谱分析。