The function of the Afu4g13170 gene in conidiation and gliotoxin production of pathogenic Aspergillus fumigatus

[Objective] The function of the uncharacterized gene Afu4g13170 in Aspergillus fumigatus was ascertained.[Methods] Double-joint PCR method and one-step gene deletion technique were used to generate the A.fumigatus ΔAfu4g13170 mutant.[Results] Amino acid sequence alignment shows that the predicated Afu4g13170 protein has a similarity of 88.6% to Gib2 protein in Cryptococcus neoformans and Ani04163 protein in A.nidulans.The pheno-typic analysis indicated that deletion of Afu4g13170 gene results in growth defect and incom-plete development of phialides with elongated metulae,delayed and reduced sporulation,and less pigment production.Chromatographic analysis suggested that gliotoxin production is blocked partly by knocking out the Afu4g13170 gene.[Conclusion] Afu4g13170 gene may be used as one of target sites to control the virulence of A.fumigatus.