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Endocytosis and early endosome motility in filamentous fungi

Gero Steinberg1

  • 1Biosciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|May 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Filamentous fungi use microtubule-based motility of early endosomes for hyphal growth. Motor proteins, including kinesin-3 and dynein, regulate this process, with Hook proteins acting as adapters.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Hyphal growth in filamentous fungi depends on the long-distance movement of early endosomes along microtubules.
  • The molecular mechanisms and biological significance of this endosome motility are actively researched.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular basis and biological functions of early endosome motility in filamentous fungi.
  • To investigate the roles of motor proteins and regulatory factors in endosome transport.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing genetic screening in model organisms like Ustilago maydis and Aspergillus nidulans.
  • Analyzing the interplay of motor proteins (kinesin-3, dynein) and adapter proteins (Hook proteins).

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated a cooperative action between kinesin-3 and dynein motors for bi-directional early endosome movement.
  • Identified Hook proteins as essential general motor adapters on early endosomes.
  • Uncovered novel roles for endosome motility in septin filament organization and protein translation machinery distribution.

Conclusions:

  • Early endosome motility is a complex, motor-protein-dependent process crucial for fungal hyphal growth.
  • Hook proteins play a key role in regulating motor protein function on endosomes.
  • Endosome transport has broader implications, influencing cytoskeletal organization and cellular functions like translation.

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