The bZIP transcription factor UvbZIP6 mediates fungal growth, stress response, and false smut formation in Ustilaginoidea virens

Abstract Rice false smut, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens , is one of the most destructive diseases in major world rice-producing regions. Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) proteins, which belong to an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor family and play critical roles various biological processes eukaryotes, have been previously identified U. ; however, their functions still need be further elucidated. Therefore, we aimed analyze UvbZIP6 a member bZIP . In this study, found that was highly up-regulated at 7 days post-inoculation. Deletion resulted increase fungal growth sensitivity Congo red calcofluor white, whereas decrease hyperosmotic, oxidative, sodium dodecyl sulfate stresses. Conidiation capacity reduced UvbZIP6- knockout mutants, but conidial morphology germination were not affected. Although mutants infection rice plants, they could form smut balls. Our study indicates required for growth, conidiation, stress response, ball formation