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S-adenosylmethionine levels and protein methylation during morphogenesis of Mucor racemosus
Abstract:
The intracellular level of S-adenosylmethionine increased as the yeast-phase cells of Mucor racemosus were induced to convert to hyphae. This increase correlated well with time course of the conversion in cell type and was independent of the metabolic changes caused by the shift to aerobic conditions. There was no significant change in the intracellular level of spermidine, a polyamine synthesized from putrescine and the propylamine group of S-adenosylmethionine. Spermine was not detected. An examination of protein methylation revealed an increase in the methylation of total protein during the shift in cell type and possible qualitative as well as quantitative changes in specific base proteins.
Insights
Intracellular S-adenosylmethionine levels rise during Mucor racemosus cell-type conversion, independent of aerobic conditions. This suggests a role for S-adenosylmethionine in fungal morphogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mucor racemosus exhibits dimorphism, existing as yeast or hyphal forms.
- Cell-type conversion is a critical developmental process in many fungi.
- S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is a key methyl donor in biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of S-adenosylmethionine in the yeast-to-hyphae transition of Mucor racemosus.
- To determine if changes in SAM levels correlate with cell-type conversion.
- To examine the impact of this transition on protein methylation.
Main Methods:
- Yeast-phase Mucor racemosus cells were induced to convert to hyphae.
- Intracellular levels of S-adenosylmethionine and spermidine were measured over time.
- Protein methylation was assessed during the cell-type shift.
Main Results:
- Intracellular S-adenosylmethionine levels significantly increased during yeast-to-hyphae conversion.
- This increase was time-dependent and independent of aerobic conditions.
- No significant change in spermidine levels was observed; spermine was undetectable.
- Increased protein methylation, including potential qualitative changes in specific proteins, was detected.
Conclusions:
- S-adenosylmethionine accumulation is associated with Mucor racemosus hyphal development.
- The findings suggest S-adenosylmethionine plays a role in fungal morphogenesis.
- Protein methylation is altered during this developmental transition.