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A Rapid and Efficient Method for Assessing Pathogenicity of Ustilago maydis on Maize and Teosinte Lines
Published on: January 4, 2014
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A two-component regulatory system for self/non-self recognition in Ustilago maydis
B Gillissen1, J Bergemann, C Sandmann
1Institut für Genbiologische Forschung Berlin GmbH, Federal Republic of Germany.
Cell
|February 21, 1992
Summary
Researchers discovered a second regulatory gene, bW, in the U. maydis b locus, alongside the known bE gene. The interaction of bE and bW gene products is key to fungal development.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The multiallelic b locus in Ustilago maydis regulates sexual and pathogenic development.
- A single regulatory gene was previously identified in the b locus, with its polypeptide product interacting to control sexual development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of sexual and pathogenic development in Ustilago maydis.
- To identify additional regulatory genes within the b locus.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of the U. maydis b locus.
- Bioinformatic analysis of gene sequences and protein domains.
Main Results:
- Identification of a second regulatory gene in the b locus, named bW, distinct from the previously identified bE gene.
- Both bE and bW genes exist in multiple alleles and share similar organizational structures.
- Gene products (polypeptides) exhibit allele-specific N-terminal variability and conserved C-terminal domains with a homeodomain-related motif.
- Genetic evidence confirms that the interaction between bE and bW polypeptides from different alleles is crucial for regulatory control.
Conclusions:
- The U. maydis b locus contains at least two regulatory genes, bE and bW.
- The interaction between allele-specific bE and bW polypeptides is the primary regulatory mechanism for sexual development in U. maydis.
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