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Circadian rhythms in Neurospora crassa: Downstream effectors
Stuart Brody1, Kim Oelhafen, Kevin Schneider
1Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116, USA. sbrody@ucsd.edu
Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|October 6, 2009
Summary
The frq-less oscillator (FLO) in Neurospora crassa can be restored by menadione, which stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study identifies new components of the FLO, linking them to the RAS-cAMP-protein kinase pathway.
Area of Science:
- * Molecular biology
- * Circadian rhythms
- * Mycology
Background:
- * The circadian rhythm in *Neurospora crassa* is regulated by the frequency (frq) and white-collar (wc) genes, forming the
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate novel conditions restoring rhythmicity in *Neurospora crassa* mutants lacking the FWC oscillator.
- * To identify potential components of the frq-less oscillator (FLO).
Main Methods:
- * Utilized *Neurospora crassa* mutants deficient in key circadian rhythm genes (frq, wc-1, wc-2).
- * Administered low levels of menadione (ROS stimulator) and caffeine (cAMP inhibitor) under constant darkness (D/D) and constant light (L/L).
- * Analyzed the effects of mutations in *csp-1* and *rco-1* genes on circadian rhythmicity.
Main Results:
- * Rhythmicity was restored in FWC-deficient mutants by menadione, indicating a role for ROS in circadian regulation.
- * Caffeine and mutations in *csp-1* and *rco-1* also influenced rhythmicity.
- * Identified a connection between these factors and the RAS-cAMP-protein kinase pathway.
Conclusions:
- * Menadione and ROS can restore circadian rhythmicity in the absence of the FWC oscillator.
- * Components of the conidiation process and the RAS-cAMP-protein kinase pathway are potential candidates for the frq-less oscillator.
- * This research expands our understanding of alternative pathways regulating circadian rhythms in fungi.
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