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Mutations in Podospora anserina MCM1 and VelC Trigger Spontaneous Development of Barren Fruiting Bodies
Insaf Essadik1, Charlie Boucher1, Cécilia Bobée1
1Université Paris Cité, CNRS, UMR 8236-LIED, F-75013 Paris, France.
Abstract:
The ascomycete Podospora anserina is a heterothallic filamentous fungus found mainly on herbivore dung. It is commonly used in laboratories as a model system, and its complete life cycle lasting eight days is well mastered in vitro. The main objective of our team is to understand better the global process of fruiting body development, named perithecia, induced normally in this species by fertilization. Three allelic mutants, named pfd3, pfd9, and pfd23 (for "promoting fruiting body development") obtained by UV mutagenesis, were selected in view of their abilities to promote barren perithecium development without fertilization. By complete genome sequencing of pfd3 and pfd9, and mutant complementation, we identified point mutations in the mcm1 gene as responsible for spontaneous perithecium development. MCM1 proteins are MADS box transcription factors that control diverse developmental processes in plants, metazoans, and fungi. We also identified using the same methods a mutation in the VelC gene as responsible for spontaneous perithecium development in the vacua mutant. The VelC protein belongs to the velvet family of regulators involved in the control of development and secondary metabolite production. A key role of MCM1 and VelC in coordinating the development of P. anserina perithecia with gamete formation and fertilization is highlighted.
Insights
Mutations in MCM1 and VelC genes promote fruiting body development in the model fungus Podospora anserina without fertilization. These genes play a key role in coordinating development with gamete formation.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Podospora anserina is a model filamentous fungus with a well-characterized life cycle.
- Fruiting body (perithecia) development is typically induced by fertilization.
- Understanding the genetic regulation of perithecia development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of spontaneous perithecium development.
- To identify genes involved in regulating fruiting body development in P. anserina.
- To elucidate the role of specific genes in coordinating development with fertilization.
Main Methods:
- UV mutagenesis to generate mutants.
- Whole-genome sequencing of selected mutants (pfd3, pfd9).
- Mutant complementation assays.
- Identification of mutations in MCM1 and VelC genes.
Main Results:
- Identified point mutations in the MCM1 gene in pfd3 and pfd9 mutants, leading to spontaneous perithecium development.
- Identified a mutation in the VelC gene in the vacua mutant, also causing spontaneous perithecium development.
- MCM1 and VelC proteins are crucial for coordinating P. anserina perithecia development with gamete formation and fertilization.
Conclusions:
- MCM1 and VelC are key regulators of perithecium development in P. anserina.
- These genes control the coordination between sexual development and fertilization.
- The study highlights the conserved roles of MADS box and velvet family proteins in fungal development.
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