Fungal plasma membrane domains

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Mycology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The plasma membrane (PM) is crucial for cellular functions, requiring organization into specialized domains.
• Fungal PM compartmentalization, particularly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, involves distinct domains like MCC, MCP, MCT, MCL, and MCW.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the organization of lateral plasma membrane segregation in various fungal species.
• To discuss the formation and protein partitioning mechanisms of these membrane domains.
• To explore the physiological roles of known membrane compartments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on fungal plasma membrane organization.
• Analysis of mechanisms for domain formation and protein partitioning.
• Synthesis of knowledge on the physiological functions of membrane domains.

Main Results:

• Five non-overlapping domains (MCC, MCP, MCT, MCL, MCW) are described in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
• Additional cortical foci include sites for endocytosis, PAL/Rim complex localization, and sterol-rich apical domains.
• Mechanisms of domain formation and protein partitioning are discussed across fungal species.

Conclusions:

• Plasma membrane compartmentalization is vital for fungal physiology.
• These domains regulate membrane and cell wall homeostasis, apical growth, and starvation response.
• Membrane compartments like MCCs play emerging roles in protection during starvation.