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Mutations in sfdA and sfdB suppress multiple developmental mutations in Aspergillus nidulans
Ellen M Kellner1, Thomas H Adams
1Cereon Genomics, LLC, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA. emkell@ag.arizona.edu
Genetics
|January 24, 2002
Summary
New genes, sfdA and sfdB, were identified as suppressors of developmental defects in Aspergillus nidulans. These genes bypass the need for flbD, restoring asexual development and brlA gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- Conidiophore morphogenesis in Aspergillus nidulans is regulated by developmental signals activating the brlA gene, crucial for asexual development.
- Loss-of-function mutations in flbD and other "fluffy" loci cause delayed development and reduced brlA expression.
- The flbD gene product is similar to Myb transcription factors and is expressed during hyphal growth and conidiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the regulatory pathway leading to brlA activation and conidiation.
- To identify genetic factors that can bypass the requirement of flbD for development.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of suppressor mutations that rescue development in Aspergillus nidulans strains with a flbD null allele.
- Characterization of two new loci, sfdA and sfdB, as suppressors of flbD.
- Analysis of the effect of sfd mutations on brlA expression and developmental timing.
- Testing the suppressive effect of sfd mutations on other developmental mutants (fluG, flbA, flbB, flbC, flbE).
Main Results:
- Two new loci, sfdA and sfdB, were identified as suppressors of flbD.
- Mutant alleles of sfdA and sfdB restored normal developmental timing and brlA expression in flbD deletion strains.
- sfd mutations also suppressed developmental defects in strains with mutations in fluG, flbA, flbB, flbC, and flbE.
- Recessive inheritance of sfdA and sfdB alleles was observed in diploids.
- Mutant sfd alleles in wild-type backgrounds resulted in reduced growth and submerged conidiophore development.
Conclusions:
- sfdA and sfdB represent novel genetic pathways that can bypass the requirement for flbD in Aspergillus nidulans development.
- These findings provide new insights into the complex regulatory network controlling asexual development and brlA activation.
- The identification of sfd genes offers potential targets for further research into fungal development and gene regulation.