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Perithecium morphogenesis in Sordaria macrospora

Kathryn M Lord1, Nick D Read

  • 1Fungal Cell Biology Group, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Rutherford Building, Edinburgh EH93JH, UK.

Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|December 8, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Sordaria macrospora

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The self-fertile ascomycete Sordaria macrospora's perithecium is a model for fungal multicellular development.
  • Fungal multicellular structures form via hyphal aggregation, adhesion, specialization, and septation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze perithecium morphogenesis in Sordaria macrospora wild type and developmental mutants.
  • To detail cell-type involvement and developmental stages.

Main Methods:

  • Correlative microscopy techniques were employed.
  • Analysis focused on wild-type and eight developmental mutants of S. macrospora.

Main Results:

  • Perithecial morphogenesis involves three stages: ascogonial, protoperithecial, and perithecial.
  • At least 13 specialized cell types, including hyphae, conglutinate cells, and spores, are involved.
  • Hypha-conglutinate cell transitions are crucial for perithecial wall and neck development.

Conclusions:

  • Sordaria macrospora perithecium development involves complex cell-type interactions and transitions.
  • Understanding these processes offers insights into fungal multicellularity.

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