Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Sexual Development and Ascospore Discharge in Fusarium graminearum
Published on: March 29, 2012
The Spitzenkörper: a signalling hub for the control of fungal development?
1Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68688-0660, USA. sharri1@unlnotes.unl.edu
Abstract:
In Aspergillus nidulans, asexual development culminates in the formation of a multicellular conidiophore that bears spores known as conidia. Although several factors required for conidiophore formation have been characterized, the mechanisms underlying the transition from vegetative growth to development remain obscure. However, the recent characterization of two of these factors, FlbB and FlbE, provides important new insight. Notably, these studies suggest that the Spitzenkörper (i.e. apical body), which is known to regulate hyphal morphogenesis, might also serve as a signalling hub that co-ordinates development transitions.
Related Concept Videos
Yeast Signaling
Gene Regulation During Sporulation
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte
Fungal Group Zygomycota
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota

