Solid-State and Submerged Fermentations Show Different Gene Expression Profiles in Cephalosporin C Production by Acremonium chrysogenum

Despite the importance of Acremonium chrysogenum as the only cephalosporin C (CPC) producer, there is still a limited understanding about the molecular mechanisms regulating antibiotic biosynthesis in this fungus. Based on the previously described relationship between environmental pH and antibiotic production in numerous filamentous fungi, we studied the expression of genes related to CPC production in A. chrysogenum. We report for the first time similarities and differences, characterizing CPC production by A. chrysogenum under a variable pH environment, in submerged and solid-state fermentation. This characterization is supported by measurements of parameters, like CPC production, pH, growth, and expression levels of several genes involved, directly or indirectly, in CPC production. Interesting differences in intermediate (Pen N) and certain biosynthetic gene expression levels were observed. Our results point out some relationships between physiological features and gene expression that open important improvement perspectives for both culture systems.