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Sexual hormone in the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium purpureum
Abstract:
The existence of sexual hormone in Dictyostelium purpureum was revealed when the extracelluar medium from certain strains (Dp6 or Dp7) induced macrocyst formation when added to cells of the opposite mating type (Dp2). Our results suggest that mating in cellular slime moulds may involve a secreter-responder system whereby one mating-type strain (Dp6 or Dp7) releases sexual hormone while the opposite strain (Dp2) responds. However, the existence of a hormone released by the responding strain has not been completely ruled out by our experiments. The sexual hormones of cellular slime moulds appear to be species-specific since hormone from D. purpureum cannot induce macrocyst formation in responder strains of D. discoideum and hormone from D. discoideum has no effect on D. purpureum cells.
Insights
Sexual hormones in Dictyostelium purpureum were identified, triggering macrocyst formation in specific mating types. This suggests a secreter-responder system, with hormones being species-specific between Dictyostelium purpureum and Dictyostelium discoideum.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Mycology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Cellular slime molds, such as Dictyostelium purpureum, exhibit complex mating behaviors.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of sexual reproduction in these organisms is crucial for evolutionary studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence and nature of sexual hormones in Dictyostelium purpureum.
- To elucidate the role of these hormones in macrocyst formation and mating processes.
- To determine the species-specificity of Dictyostelium sexual hormones.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of Dictyostelium purpureum strains (Dp2, Dp6, Dp7).
- Treatment of responder cells (Dp2) with extracellular medium from secreter strains (Dp6, Dp7).
- Observation and quantification of macrocyst formation.
- Cross-species testing with Dictyostelium discoideum.
Main Results:
- Extracellular medium from Dictyostelium purpureum strains Dp6 or Dp7 induced macrocyst formation in the opposite mating type strain Dp2.
- This indicates the presence of a sexual hormone in Dictyostelium purpureum.
- The sexual hormones demonstrated species-specificity, with Dictyostelium purpureum hormone ineffective on Dictyostelium discoideum and vice versa.
Conclusions:
- Dictyostelium purpureum mating involves a secreter-responder system mediated by sexual hormones.
- The identified sexual hormones are species-specific between Dictyostelium purpureum and Dictyostelium discoideum.
- Further research is needed to fully rule out hormones released by the responding strain.