Genomics of protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum, secretion stress and glycosylation in the aspergilli

We review aspects of the process of protein secretion by Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus nidulans, based on analysis of their genome sequences. Where useful, we have taken a comparative approach with the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris. The four fungi discussed in the review include two species which comprise a well-developed model yeast (S. cerevisiae) and filamentous fungus (A. nidulans) and two species which are exploited for their capabilities in the secretion of proteins (P. pastoris and A. niger). It has not been possible to cover all aspects of protein secretion and we have therefore restricted discussion to events which are largely, though not exclusively, located within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum.