BzpF is a CREB-like transcription factor that regulates spore maturation and stability in Dictyostelium

► Dictyostelium bZIP protein BzpF binds to CRE-like sequence with high specificity. ► bzpF is expressed preferentially in spores during late culmination stage. ► Loss of BzpF results in severe defects in spore maturation and stability. ► We found 15 PKA-regulated, late-developmental genes as potential BzpF direct targets. ► Many under-expressed genes in bzpF− encode cellulose- and sugar-binding proteins.