Functional characterization of the upstream components of the Hog1-like kinase cascade in hyperosmotic and carbon sensing in Trichoderma reesei

Background Trichoderma reesei holds a high capacity for protein secretion and represents the most important cellulase producer in industry. However, the external signal sensing and intracellular signal transduction during cellulose induction remain unclear. As one of the most pervasive signal transduction pathways in all eukaryotic species, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and its upstream sensing and signaling components are involved in various physiological processes including stress and nutrient sensing. Particularly, the Hog1-type MAPK Tmk3 has been reported to be involved in the cellulase production in T. reesei.