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Cytoplasmic contractions in growing fungal hyphae and their morphogenetic consequences

Cristina G Reynaga-Peña1, Salomón Bartnicki-García

  • 1Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del I.P.N. Unidad Irapuato, Apdo. Postal no. 629, Irapuato, Gto., 36500, México.

Archives of Microbiology
|April 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Momentary synchronized motions of fungal organelles, termed cytoplasmic contractions, were observed in multiple species. These events disrupt the apical body (Spitzenkörper) and significantly alter hyphal growth and morphology.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cytoskeletal Dynamics

Background:

  • Fungal hyphal growth is a complex process involving coordinated subcellular activities.
  • The Spitzenkörper (apical body) is crucial for directing hyphal tip growth.
  • Previous studies have not detailed rapid, synchronized organelle movements in fungal hyphae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the phenomenon of momentary synchronized motions of subcellular organelles in fungal hyphae.
  • To characterize the effects of these contractions on the Spitzenkörper and hyphal morphology.
  • To explore the underlying cytoskeletal mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Video-enhanced light microscopy was used to observe living fungal hyphae.
  • Experiments were conducted on wild-type strains of Aspergillus niger, Neurospora crassa, and Trichoderma atroviride, as well as a mutant (ramosa-1) of A. niger.
  • High-resolution imaging captured rapid, transient events in subcellular organization.

Main Results:

  • Momentary, synchronized cytoplasmic contractions (lasting ~1 second) were observed in multiple fungal species.
  • These contractions frequently led to the dislocation, disassembly, or disappearance of the Spitzenkörper.
  • Significant alterations in hyphal morphology, including bulbous tips and branching, followed the contractions and growth cessation.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal cytoplasmic contractions provide evidence for an interconnected, contractile cytoskeletal network.
  • The observed events highlight the dynamic nature of organelle interactions during hyphal growth.
  • Disruption of the Spitzenkörper via these contractions directly impacts hyphal morphogenesis and growth cessation.

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