Differential expression of the putative Kex2 processed and secreted aspartic proteinase gene family of Cryphonectria parasitica

► In this study we searched the Cryphonectria parasitica secretome for putative Kex2 substrates. ► We identified three mayor groups of putative substrates: cell wall modifying proteins, putative proteinases, and oxidoreductases. ► We uncovered a family of nine secreted aspartic proteinases (SAPs) from C. parasitica and characterized it. ► We found that this gene family is differentially regulated when exposed to the host and upon hypoviral infection. ► We produced deletion strains in four of this SAPs and studied their phenotype.