title: Melanogenesis, tyrosinase expression, and reproductive differentiation in black and white truffles (Ascomycotina).
abstract: White and black truffles of the genus Tuber are Ascomycotina as well as Neurospora crassa, which expresses tyrosinase dependently on the reproductive cycle. Tyrosinase expression dependent on reproductive differentiation has been also described in black truffles. We present novel and comparative work on melanogenic activities in black and white truffles that both express true tyrosinases. L-tyrosine 3-monooxygenase and L-DOPA oxidase activities colocalize as histochemically detected and are similarly located in white and black truffles, from the hypothecium through the sporogenic hyphae to asci and spores. Sulfur components of truffle flavours reversibly inhibit tyrosinase. The respiratory phenotype of truffle mitochondria is discussed in relation to reproductive differentiation and melanogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic and Applied Biology, University of L'Aquila, Italy. miranda@axscaq.aquila.infn.it
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miranda
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Zarivi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bonfigli
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Amicarelli
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Aimola
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Ragnelli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pacioni
mesh_terms: D001203:Ascomycota / Q000166:cytology* / Q000201:enzymology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013440:Sulfides / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D008543:Melanins; D013440:Sulfides; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase; C004784:dimethyl sulfide