Progress in the cellulase gene expression and regulation in Trichoderma reesei

Abstract:

As an abundant and renewable bioresource, lignocellulose after efficient depolymerization can provide raw materials for green bio-manufacturing. Trichoderma reesei is one of the main industrial producers of cellulases. Its outstanding capability of producing cellulases plays an important role in lignocellulose saccharification. In the past few decades, researchers have gained a preliminary understanding of the mechanisms underlying the induced cellulase gene expression in T.reesei, and revealed a complex regulatory network controlling the biosynthesis of various glycohydrolytic enzymes. Here we systematically review the recent progress in the regulation of cellulase gene expression in T. reeseiregarding signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, and chromatin remodeling. Furthermore, we review the latest progress in genetic engineering for improving cellulase production based on the understanding of the above regulatory network.