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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Genetic Manipulation of the Plant Pathogen Ustilago maydis to Study Fungal Biology and Plant Microbe Interactions
11:42

Genetic Manipulation of the Plant Pathogen Ustilago maydis to Study Fungal Biology and Plant Microbe Interactions

Published on: September 30, 2016

Tracks for traffic: microtubules in the plant pathogen Ustilago maydis

Gero Steinberg1

  • 1Max-Planck-Institut für terrestrische Mikrobiologie, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße, D-35043 Marburg, Germany.

The New Phytologist
|May 17, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Pathogenic fungal growth in Ustilago maydis relies on invasive hyphae. Microtubule motor proteins, including kinesins and dynein, are crucial for hyphal tip growth, endosome motility, and mitosis, impacting U. maydis virulence.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Pathogenic development of Ustilago maydis requires invasive hyphal growth.
  • Microtubules and their associated motor proteins are essential for hyphal elongation and mitosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles of specific kinesins and dynein in Ustilago maydis hyphal tip growth and intracellular motility.
  • To understand the complexity of microtubule-based processes in U. maydis virulence.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of microtubule cytoskeleton dynamics.
  • Studies on kinesin and myosin motor protein functions in U. maydis.

Main Results:

  • Kinesin-3 mediates anterograde endosome motility supporting apical membrane recycling.
  • Kinesin-1, kinesin-3, and myosin-5 deliver secretory vesicles to the hyphal tip.
  • Kinesin-1 targets cytoplasmic dynein to microtubule plus ends, essential for retrograde endosome motility and mitosis.

Conclusions:

  • Microtubule motor proteins exhibit complex functions critical for U. maydis virulence.
  • Understanding these motor functions may reveal novel fungicide targets.

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