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Published on: August 8, 2017
A Story Between s and S: [Het-s] Prion of the Fungus Podospora anserina
Moonil Son1,2
1Department of Microbiology, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea.
Abstract:
In filamentous fungi, vegetative cell fusion occurs within and between individuals. These fusions of growing hyphae (anastomosis) from two individuals produce binucleated cells with mixed cytoplasm known as heterokaryons. The fate of heterokaryotic cells was genetically controlled with delicacy by specific loci named het (heterokaryon) or vic (vegetative incompatibility) as a part of self-/nonself-recognition system. When het loci of two individuals are incompatible, the resulting heterokaryotic cells underwent programmed cell death or showed severely impaired fungal growth. In Podospora anserina, het-s is one of at least nine alleles that control heterokaryon incompatibility and the altered protein conformation [Het-s] prion. The present study describes the [Het-s] prion in terms of (1) the historical discovery based on early genetic and physiological studies, (2) architecture built on its common and unique nature compared with other prions, and (3) functions related to meiotic drive and programmed cell death.
Insights
Filamentous fungi use self-/nonself-recognition systems, involving specific gene loci (het/vic), to control vegetative cell fusion. Incompatible fungi trigger programmed cell death or growth impairment, exemplified by the [Het-s] prion in Podospora anserina.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Vegetative cell fusion (anastomosis) in filamentous fungi can occur within or between individuals, forming heterokaryons.
- Heterokaryon formation is genetically regulated by self-/nonself-recognition systems, involving specific loci (het/vic).
- Incompatibility at these loci leads to programmed cell death or impaired growth of heterokaryotic cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the [Het-s] prion in Podospora anserina.
- To detail its historical discovery, architectural properties, and biological functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical genetic and physiological studies.
- Comparative analysis of prion architecture.
- Investigation of prion functions.
Main Results:
- The [Het-s] prion is one of at least nine alleles controlling heterokaryon incompatibility in Podospora anserina.
- Its architecture shares commonalities and unique features with other prions.
- Functions include roles in meiotic drive and programmed cell death.
Conclusions:
- The [Het-s] prion is a key element in fungal vegetative incompatibility.
- Understanding its structure and function provides insights into fungal development and genetic regulation.
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