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Calcium and malate are sporulation-promoting factors of Physarum polycephalum

S Renzel1, S Esselborn, H W Sauer

  • 1Institut für Zellbiologie, Biochemie und Biotechnologie, Universität Bremen, 28334 Bremen, Germany.

Journal of Bacteriology
|November 28, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Physarum polycephalum sporulation, typically light-dependent, can occur in the dark. This process requires calcium ions and malate, with polymalate identified as a key signaling factor.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular differentiation
  • Developmental biology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Slime mold Physarum polycephalum undergoes sporulation, a critical differentiation process.
  • Sporulation typically requires starvation and proceeds in the light.
  • The underlying signaling mechanisms for dark sporulation are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the conditions and signaling molecules enabling Physarum polycephalum sporulation in the dark.
  • To identify factors involved in autocrine signaling during dark-induced sporulation.

Main Methods:

  • Culturing Physarum polycephalum under altered conditions (no liquid medium, elevated temperature).
  • Analyzing conditioned media from starved plasmodia using biochemical methods.
  • Investigating the role of calcium ions and specific organic acids in sporulation.

Main Results:

  • Physarum polycephalum sporulation was successfully induced in the dark by modifying environmental conditions.
  • Dark sporulation necessitates the presence of calcium ions and malate.
  • Polymalate was identified as a secreted factor in conditioned media, acting as a signaling molecule.
  • Polymalate serves as a source of malate and calcium, facilitating dark sporulation.

Conclusions:

  • Environmental manipulation allows for light-independent sporulation in Physarum polycephalum.
  • Polymalate plays a crucial role in dark sporulation by providing essential ions and signaling.
  • This finding reveals a novel signaling pathway for slime mold development.

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