Characterization of bZip-type transcription factor AtfA with reference to stress responses of conidia of Aspergillus nidulans.

Microorganisms growing in natural habitats are permanently confronted with a wide variety of external stresses. In fungi, including Aspergillus nidulans, one of the general and ultimate strategies to survive in harsh habitats is the development of stress-tolerant conidia. In this study, we found that one of the basic-region leucine zipper transcription factors, named AtfA, plays a crucial role in the acquisition of tolerance against oxidative and heat stress on conidia, but not on mycelia, although this factor is not involved in asexual development per se.