Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
In Vitro Polymerization of F-actin on Early Endosomes
Published on: August 28, 2017
Initial fungal effector production is mediated by early endosome motility
1Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology; Faculty of Agriculture; Kyushu University , Hakozaki; Fukuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
Fungal plant pathogenicity is facilitated by effector proteins that are specifically expressed during infection and are responsible for suppressing plant defense mechanisms. Recent studies have elucidated the detailed molecular mechanisms of effector action throughout fungal infection. However, little is known about the trafficking and secretion of effectors in fungal hyphae during the initial stage of infection. Using state-of-the-art microscopy we have demonstrated that early endosome (EE) motility is required for effector production during fungal infection. Moreover, the MAPK Crk1 has been shown to travel on EEs and to function as a negative regulator of effector expression, suggesting that motile EEs are involved in signal transduction. Here I further discuss possible mechanisms whereby EE motility regulates effector expression in the initial stages of infection.
Insights
Early endosome (EE) motility is crucial for fungal effector production during plant infection. This process involves the MAPK Crk1, suggesting EEs regulate effector expression via signal transduction.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Fungal pathogens use effector proteins to suppress plant defenses during infection.
- While effector action is understood, their secretion in early infection stages remains unclear.
- Early endosome (EE) motility's role in fungal effector production is a recent discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of early endosome (EE) motility in fungal effector production.
- To explore the involvement of MAPK Crk1 in EE-mediated effector regulation.
- To elucidate mechanisms of EE motility in regulating effector expression during initial fungal infection.
Main Methods:
- Advanced microscopy techniques were employed to observe fungal hyphae.
- Analysis of effector protein localization and trafficking.
- Investigation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Crk1's interaction with EEs.
Main Results:
- EE motility was demonstrated to be essential for effector production in fungal plant pathogens.
- The MAPK Crk1 was observed to traffic on EEs.
- Crk1 functions as a negative regulator of effector expression, implicating motile EEs in signal transduction.
Conclusions:
- EE motility is a key factor in regulating fungal effector secretion during the early stages of plant infection.
- The EE-MAPK Crk1 pathway represents a novel mechanism for controlling effector expression in fungi.
- Further research into EE-mediated signal transduction can reveal new strategies for disease control.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Maturation of Endosomes
Changes in location
The maturing endosome moves along microtubules from the periphery of the cell towards the perinuclear region. This movement of the...
01:39Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
01:31Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation
01:10Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
01:38Intralumenal Vesicles and Multivesicular Bodies
01:18Role of Myosin in Cell Migration
Myosin II is a hexamer comprising two heavy chains with globular heads and coiled-coil tails, two regulatory light chains, and two essential light chains. The ATPase sites on the myosin heads hydrolyze ATP, and the released phosphate generates the force for contraction....