Aspergillus nidulans Dis1/XMAP215 protein AlpA localizes to spindle pole bodies and microtubule plus ends and contributes to growth directionality.
The dynamics of cytoplasmic microtubules (MTs) is largely controlled by a protein complex at the MT plus end. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe and in filamentous fungi, MT plus end-associated proteins also determine growth directionality. We have characterized the Dis1/XMAP215 family protein AlpA from Aspergillus nidulans and show that it determines MT dynamics as well as hyphal morphology. Green fluorescent protein-tagged AlpA localized to MT-organizing centers (centrosomes) and to MT plus ends. The latter accumulation occurred independently of conventional kinesin or the Kip2-familiy kinesin KipA. alpA deletion strains were viable and only slightly temperature sensitive. Mitosis, nuclear migration, and nuclear positioning were not affected, but hyphae grew in curves rather than straight, which appeared to be an effect of reduced MT growth and dynamics.
Enke
Cathrin
C
University of Karlsruhe, Applied Microbiology, Hertzstrasse 16, D-76187 Karlsruhe, Germany.
Zekert
Nadine
N
Veith
Daniel
D
Schaaf
Carolin
C
Konzack
Sven
S
Fischer
Reinhard
R
D001233:Aspergillus nidulans / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D016764:Cell Polarity; D018385:Centrosome / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D025301:Hyphae / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D022101:Microtubule-Organizing Center / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008938:Mitosis; D010802:Phylogeny; D011485:Protein Binding; D008941:Spindle Apparatus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins