Fig. 1

Model of the light regulation of secondary metabolism in Aspergillus nidulans. The subcellular localization of VeA in fungi is regulated by various factors. A cytoplasmic VeA-VelB dimer is recognized by importin alpha (KapA) and imported through the nuclear pore complex. Once inside the nucleus, a heterotrimeric complex consisting of LaeA, VeA, and VelB activates secondary metabolism. A transient complex between LlmF and VeA plays a role in repressing the nuclear import of VeA, primarily through the putative methylation activity of LlmF [60]. Furthermore, the red light-sensing phytochrome, FphA, also influences the subcellular localization of VeA. However, it remains unknown whether FphA and LlmF share a common pathway or independently regulate VeA’s subcellular localization