Disruption of two genes for chitin synthase in the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis.
The phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis exhibits a dimorphic transition in which non-pathogenic, yeast-like cells mate to form a pathogenic, filamentous dikaryon. Northern analysis indicated that two chitin synthase genes, chs1 and chs2, from U. maydis are expressed at similar levels in yeast-like cells and in cells undergoing the mating reaction leading to the filamentous cell type. A mutation was constructed in each of the chitin synthase genes by targeted gene disruption. Each mutant showed a reduction in the level of trypsin-activated enzyme activity, compared with a wild-type strain, but retained the wild-type morphology, the ability to mate and the ability to form the filamentous pathogenic cell type.
Biotechnology Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
S E
SE
Gold
J W
JW
Kronstad
D002687:Chitin Synthase / Q000235:genetics*; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005800:Genes, Fungal; D005838:Genotype; D006238:Haploidy; D010641:Phenotype; D014588:Ustilago / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*
D005656:Fungal Proteins; D002687:Chitin Synthase