SclB regulates gene expression of early conidiation-activator encoding <i>flbC</i> and <i>flbD</i>.

<p>A) qRT-PCR shows that <i>flbC</i> gene expression is downregulated in the absence of <i>sclB</i> and upregulated in the <i>sclB</i> OE strain during submerged vegetative growth (left). <i>flbD</i> gene expression is downregulated in Δ<i>sclB</i> as well. Expression of <i>flbA</i>, <i>flbB</i> and <i>flbC</i> is significantly upregulated in Δ<i>sclB</i> during growth on solid MM in light (right) (***<i>P</i><0.001). B) Relationship between upstream factors of BrlA in the conidiation pathway. SclB activates <i>flbC</i>, <i>flbD</i> and <i>brlA</i> gene expression. C) Single and double mutants of the <i>flb</i> genes and <i>sclB</i> were point inoculated and grown for 3 d in light or dark. Δ<i>flbC</i> and Δ<i>sclB</i> show similar phenotypes. All Δ<i>flb</i>Δ<i>sclB</i> mutants fail to form conidiophores, as shown in photomicrographs (PMG). Black bars = 200 μm.