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A screen for Neurospora knockout mutants displaying growth rate dependent branch density
Michael K Watters1, Michael Boersma, Melodie Johnson
1Department of Biology, Neils Science Centre, Valparaiso University, 1610 Campus Drive East, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA. Michael.Watters@valpo.edu
Fungal Biology
|March 1, 2011
Summary
Wild-type Neurospora maintains constant branch density across growth rates. This study identifies mutants that disrupt this homeostasis, revealing diverse gene functions involved in fungal growth regulation.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- In wild-type Neurospora, branch density remains constant despite varying hyphal growth rates.
- A hypothesized system is thought to compensate for hyphal growth rate to maintain branching homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes involved in the proposed growth rate compensation system in Neurospora.
- To investigate mutants that fail to maintain branching homeostasis across different growth rates.
Main Methods:
- Screening of the Neurospora knockout library.
- Analysis of mutants exhibiting growth rate-dependent branch density.
Main Results:
- Identified mutants that fail to maintain branching homeostasis at different growth rates.
- Highlighted diverse gene functions including ubiquitin-binding proteins, kinases, metal metabolism proteins, reactive oxygen species (ROS) control, and clock-associated proteins.
Conclusions:
- The identified genes are crucial for maintaining branch density homeostasis in Neurospora.
- The study reveals novel gene functions impacting fungal growth and branching patterns.
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