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Calcium Signaling in Oomycetes: An Evolutionary Perspective.
Limian Zheng1, John J Mackrill1
1Department of Physiology, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork Cork, Ireland.
Frontiers in Physiology
|April 20, 2016
Summary
Oomycetes, fungal-like microbes causing agricultural losses, utilize calcium ions (Ca2+) for vital functions. This study identifies novel calcium channels in oomycetes, revealing unique molecular mechanisms distinct from other eukaryotes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Oomycetes are eukaryotic microbes resembling fungi but are phylogenetically distinct.
- They cause significant global economic losses in agriculture and fisheries (e.g., Phytophthora infestans, Saprolegnia diclina).
- Cytoplasmic calcium (Ca2+) is a critical second messenger in oomycetes, regulating essential processes like life-cycle transitions, motility, and cell death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms regulating cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations in oomycetes.
- To identify and analyze candidate calcium channels encoded within available oomycete genomes.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of nine publicly available oomycete genomes.
- Identification and characterization of genes encoding putative calcium channels.
Main Results:
- Oomycete genomes encode diverse calcium channel families.
- Key differences were observed in channel family expansion and loss compared to other eukaryotes.
- A novel, phylum-specific group of calcium channels, termed polycystic kidney disease tandem ryanodine receptor domain (PKDRR) channels, was identified.
Conclusions:
- Oomycetes possess unique calcium channel repertoires.
- The identified PKDRR channels represent a novel class of calcium-regulating proteins specific to oomycetes.
- Further research into these channels is crucial for understanding oomycete biology and developing targeted control strategies.
Keywords:
calcium channelsevolutioninositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate receptorsoomycetesphylogeneticsryanodine receptorsMore Related Videos
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