Transcription factor FfMYB15 regulates the expression of cellulase gene FfCEL6B during mycelial growth of Flammulina filiformis

BACKGROUND: Cellulose degradation can determine mycelial growth rate and affect yield during the growth of Flammulina filiformis. The degradation of cellulose requires the joint action of a variety of cellulases, and some cellulase-related genes have been detected in mushrooms. However, little is known about the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of cellulose degradation. RESULTS: In this study, FfMYB15 that may regulate the expression of cellulase gene FfCEL6B in F. filiformis was identified. RNA interference (RNAi) showed that FfCEL6B positively regulated mycelial growth. Gene expression analyses indicated that the expression patterns of FfCEL6B and FfMYB15 in mycelia cultured on the 0.9% cellulose medium for different times were similar with a correlation coefficient of 0.953. Subcellular localization and transcriptional activity analyses implied that FfMYB15 was located in the nucleus and was a transcriptional activator. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and dual-luciferase assays demonstrated that FfMYB15 could bind and activate FfCEL6B promoter by recognizing MYB cis-acting element. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that FfCEL6B played an active role in mycelial growth of F. filiformis and was regulated by FfMYB15. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-022-01932-z.