GPI-anchored protein homolog IcFBR1 functions directly in morphogenesis of Isaria cicadae

Isaria cicadae is a famous edible and medicinal fungus in China and Asia. The molecular basis of morphogenesis and synnemal formation needs to be understood in more detail, because this is the main source of biomass production in I. cicadae. In the present study, a fruiting body formation-related gene with a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchoring protein (GPI-Ap) gene homolog, IcFBR1, was identified by screening random insertion mutants. Targeted deletion of IcFBR1 resulted in abnormal, non-formation of synnemata, impairing aerial hyphae growth and sporulation. The IcFBR1 mutants were defective in utilization of carbon sources with reduced polysaccharide contents and in the regulation of amylase and protease activities. Transcriptome analysis of ΔIcfbr1 showed that IcFBR1 deletion influenced 49 gene ontology terms, including 23 biological processes, nine molecular functions, and 14 cellular components. IcFBR1 is therefore necessary for regulating synnemal development, secondary metabolism, and nutrient utilization in this important edible and medicinal fungus. This is the first report illustrating that the function of IcFBR1 is associated with the synnemata in I. cicadae.