The HOG signal pathway contributes to survival strategies of the piezo-tolerant fungus <i>Aspergillus sydowii</i> DM1 in hadal sediments

Research on the genomes and gene functions of hadal zone fungi is crucial for understanding life's adaptation to extreme environments. However, current studies on constructing genetic operation systems for marine-derived filamentous fungi are scarce, and research on HHP environments in related fields is virtually non-existent. Our study highlights the critical role of the HOG-mediated pathway in regulating stress responses and metabolic processes in extremophiles, a regulatory mechanism that had not been previously investigated under HHP conditions. Notably, the whole-genome annotation of the hadal fungus <i>Aspergillus sydowii</i> DM1 advances our understanding of the life processes of hadal fungi. The development of gene knockout technology, combined with insights into stress adaptation and metabolic regulation in <i>A. sydowii</i> strain DM1, provides a strong foundation for future research and biotechnological applications.