Genetic control of an epigenetic cell degeneration syndrome in Podospora anserina.
Filamentous fungi frequently present degenerative processes, whose molecular basis is very often unknown. Here, we present three mutant screens that result in the identification of 29 genes that directly or indirectly control Crippled Growth (CG), an epigenetic cell degeneration of the filamentous ascomycete Podospora anserina. Two of these genes were previously shown to encode a MAP kinase kinase kinase and an NADPH oxidase involved in a signal transduction cascade that participates in stationary phase differentiations, fruiting body development and defence against fungal competitors. The numerous genes identified can be incorporated in a model in which CG results from the sustained activation of the MAP kinase cascade. Our data also emphasize the complex regulatory network underlying three interconnected processes in P. anserina: sexual reproduction, defence against competitors, and cell degeneration.
Haedens
Vicki
V
Institut de Génétique et Microbiologie, UMR 8621 CNRS UPS, 91405 Orsay cedex, France.
Malagnac
Fabienne
F
Silar
Philippe
P
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005800:Genes, Fungal; D020930:MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases / Q000235:genetics; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009154:Mutation; D019255:NADPH Oxidases / Q000235:genetics; D048468:Podospora / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D015398:Signal Transduction
D005656:Fungal Proteins; D019255:NADPH Oxidases; D020930:MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases