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Published on: November 8, 2006
Interaction between developmental and cell cycle regulators is required for morphogenesis in Aspergillus nidulans.
1Henry Hood Research Program, Weis Center for Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
The EMBO Journal
|December 22, 1999
Summary
The transcriptional regulator brlA controls asexual development in Aspergillus nidulans by inducing cell cycle genes like NIMX(cdc2). Proper regulation of NIMX(cdc2) is crucial for normal conidiophore development and morphogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Mycology
Background:
- brlA is a key transcriptional regulator in Aspergillus nidulans, controlling asexual development.
- Conidiophore formation involves complex regulatory networks, including cell cycle progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of brlA in regulating cell cycle genes during conidiophore development.
- To determine the importance of NIMX(cdc2) regulation by brlA for fungal morphogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Mutation analysis of brlA and cell cycle genes.
- Ectopic expression of brlA.
- Northern and Western blot analysis to assess gene and protein expression.
- Microscopic observation of conidiophore development and septation.
Main Results:
- brlA mutation arrests conidiophore formation but not vegetative growth.
- brlA induces a significant increase in NIMX(cdc2) and NIMA kinase activities.
- Ectopic brlA expression upregulates nimX(cdc2) mRNA and NIMX(cdc2) protein levels.
- The nimX(cdc2AF) mutation causes aberrant septation and disrupts the transition to budding growth during development.
Conclusions:
- brlA directly regulates the cell cycle gene nimX(cdc2) during conidiophore development.
- NIMX(cdc2) plays a critical role in regulating morphogenesis and cell cycle progression in A. nidulans.
- Interaction between developmental and cell cycle regulators is essential for normal morphogenesis in A. nidulans, differing from other eukaryotes.
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