Recently, the spectrum of classical functions of so-called non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has been extended to additional aspects in cell biology. This is amongst others in particular due to intense investigations in the field of molecular biology for human medical research. In addition to classical gene regulation by transcription factors, a number of different ncRNA groups are nowadays seen as key regulatory elements in cells; drawing a bow from their involvement in embryonic development to tumor genesis. Although there are good indications for their existence in eukaryotes like industrially applied fungi, only negligible research is carried out in the field and no corresponding applications have been reported up to now.

In this project a recently by the team of the project initiator isolated and preliminarily characterized ncRNA, termed the hypothetical activator of Xyr1 (Xylanase activator 1), HAX1 will be investigated. Its structure, molecular mechanistic mode of action and regulatory impact on gene regulation will be analyzed. In particular HAX1 involvement in plant cell wall degrading enzyme production in Trichoderma reesei will be investigated. Obtained results will open a new research area for strain improvement of industrially important filamentous fungi.