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Cell polarity in filamentous fungi: shaping the mold

Steven D Harris1

  • 1Plant Science Initiative and Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA.

International Review of Cytology
|August 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Filamentous fungi grow via polarized hyphae. This review summarizes molecular mechanisms, highlighting polarity establishment as a key stochastic process for hyphal growth.

Area of Science:

  • Fungal biology
  • Cellular morphogenesis
  • Molecular mechanisms

Background:

  • Filamentous fungi exhibit polarized hyphal growth via apical extension, a key characteristic.
  • The cytoskeleton and Spitzenkorper (apical vesicle cluster) are crucial for hyphal morphogenesis.
  • Underlying molecular mechanisms of hyphal polarity are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review known pathways and functions in polarized hyphal growth.
  • To compare hyphal polarity mechanisms with those in yeast.
  • To present a model for hyphal polarity establishment and maintenance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research.
  • Analysis of high-resolution microscopy data.
  • Integration of mathematical modeling insights.

Main Results:

  • Polarized hyphal growth is complex, likely utilizing core pathways similar to yeast.
  • A model for polarity establishment as a stochastic process, independent of internal landmarks, is proposed.
  • Stabilization of polarity axes is critical for new hypha emergence.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the molecular basis of hyphal polarity is essential for fungal biology.
  • The proposed model offers insights into how filamentous fungi establish and maintain growth direction.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex pathways governing hyphal morphogenesis.

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