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Subcellular structure and behaviour in fungal hyphae.

R W Roberson1

  • 1School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, U.S.A.

Journal of Microscopy
|July 24, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Fungal hyphal tip cells exhibit diverse subcellular structures like the Spitzenkörper (Spk) or apical vesicle crescent (AVC), crucial for polarized growth. Bioimaging advances understanding of fungal cell biology and evolution.

Keywords:
Fungal hyphal growthbioimagingfungal phylogeny

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Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Cell Biology
  • Fungal Development

Background:

  • Fungi are diverse eukaryotic organisms vital for ecosystems, playing roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
  • Hyphae, the filamentous structures of fungi, grow via tip extension, a polarized process requiring a robust secretory system.
  • Subcellular structures within hyphal tips, such as the Spitzenkörper (Spk) and apical vesicle crescent (AVC), are key to this growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To survey the diversity of selected subcellular characteristics in fungal hyphal tip cells.
  • To elucidate the roles of structures like the Spk and AVC in fungal morphogenesis.
  • To enhance understanding of fungal cell biology and phylogenetic relationships through bioimaging.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of subcellular structures in hyphal tip cells across fungal taxa.
  • Bioimaging techniques to visualize and analyze cellular components and behaviors.
  • Literature review and survey of existing data on fungal hyphal tip cell biology.

Main Results:

  • Identified two main apical body types: the Spitzenkörper (Spk) in Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Blastocladiomycota, and the apical vesicle crescent (AVC) in Mucoromycota and Zoopagomycota.
  • The Spk is a complex apical structure; the AVC appears less complex, with its composition largely unknown.
  • Both Spk and AVC influence hyphal growth and morphogenesis, alongside other factors like cytoskeletal function and cytoplasmic flow.

Conclusions:

  • Subcellular diversity in hyphal tip cells, particularly the Spk and AVC, reflects distinct fungal lineages and growth strategies.
  • Bioimaging analysis is crucial for understanding fungal cell biology, revealing insights into subcellular structures and functions.
  • Further research into these subcellular dynamics will improve our understanding of fungal evolution and ecological roles.