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Genetic control of an epigenetic cell degeneration syndrome in Podospora anserina

Vicki Haedens1, Fabienne Malagnac, Philippe Silar

  • 1Institut de Génétique et Microbiologie, UMR 8621 CNRS UPS, 91405 Orsay cedex, France.

Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|May 5, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified 29 genes controlling Crippled Growth (CG), an epigenetic cell degeneration in filamentous fungi. This discovery suggests CG arises from sustained activation of a specific cellular signaling pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Mycology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Filamentous fungi exhibit poorly understood degenerative processes.
  • Epigenetic cell degeneration, termed Crippled Growth (CG), affects filamentous fungi.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Identify genes involved in Crippled Growth (CG) in Podospora anserina.
  • Elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal cell degeneration.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted three independent mutant screens in Podospora anserina.
  • Identified and analyzed 29 genes affecting Crippled Growth (CG).

Main Results:

  • Discovered 29 genes directly or indirectly regulating CG.
  • Two identified genes are involved in a MAP kinase cascade and NADPH oxidase.
  • Proposed a model where sustained MAP kinase cascade activation causes CG.

Conclusions:

  • CG in Podospora anserina is an epigenetic degeneration controlled by numerous genes.
  • A complex regulatory network links sexual reproduction, fungal defense, and cell degeneration.
  • Sustained MAP kinase cascade activation is implicated in CG pathogenesis.

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