scholarly journals Regulation of Conidiation and Adenylyl Cyclase Levels by the Gα Protein GNA-3 in Neurospora crassa

2000 ◽  
Vol 20 (20) ◽  
pp. 7693-7705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann M. Kays ◽  
Patricia S. Rowley ◽  
Rudeina A. Baasiri ◽  
Katherine A. Borkovich
Keyword(s):  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Submerged Culture ◽  
Solid Medium ◽  
Predicted Amino Acid Sequence ◽  
Aerial Hypha ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Liquid Cultures ◽  
Camp Levels

ABSTRACT We have identified a new gene encoding the G protein α subunit,gna-3, from the filamentous fungusNeurospora crassa. The predicted amino acid sequence of GNA-3 is most similar to the Gα proteins MOD-D, MAGA, and CPG-2 from the saprophytic fungus Podospora anserina and the pathogenic fungi Magnaporthe grisea and Cryphonectria parasitica, respectively. Deletion of gna-3 leads to shorter aerial hyphae and premature, dense conidiation during growth on solid medium or in standing liquid cultures and to inappropriate conidiation in submerged culture. The conidiation and aerial hypha defects of the Δgna-3 strain are similar to those of a previously characterized adenylyl cyclase mutant, cr-1. Supplementation with cyclic AMP (cAMP) restores wild-type morphology to Δgna-3 strains in standing liquid cultures. Solid medium augmented with exogenous cAMP suppresses the premature conidiation defect, but aerial hypha formation is still reduced. Submerged-culture conidiation is refractory to cAMP but is suppressed by peptone. In addition, Δgna-3 submerged cultures express the glucose-repressible gene, qa-2, to levels greatly exceeding those observed in the wild type under carbon-starved conditions. Δgna-3 strains exhibit reduced fertility in homozygous crosses during the sexual cycle; exogenous cAMP has no effect on this phenotype. Intracellular steady-state cAMP levels of Δgna-3 strains are decreased 90% relative to the wild type under a variety of growth conditions. Reduced intracellular cAMP levels in the Δgna-3 strain correlate with lower adenylyl cyclase activity and protein levels. These results demonstrate that GNA-3 modulates conidiation and adenylyl cyclase levels in N. crassa.

scholarly journals Shared and Independent Roles for a Gαi Protein and Adenylyl Cyclase in Regulating Development and Stress Responses in Neurospora crassa

2002 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 634-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Douglas Ivey ◽  
Ann M. Kays ◽  
Katherine A. Borkovich
Keyword(s):  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Submerged Culture ◽  
Wild Type Strain ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Liquid Cultures ◽  
Aerial Hyphae ◽  
Gαi Protein

ABSTRACT Growth and development are regulated using cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent and -independent pathways in Neurospora crassa. The cr-1 adenylyl cyclase mutant lacks detectable cAMP and exhibits numerous defects, including colonial growth habit, short aerial hyphae, premature conidiation on plates, inappropriate conidiation in submerged culture, and increased thermotolerance. Evidence suggests that the heterotrimeric Gα protein GNA-1 is a direct positive regulator of adenylyl cyclase. Δgna-1 strains are female-sterile, and Δgna-1 strains have reduced apical extension rates on normal and hyperosmotic medium, greater resistance to oxidative and heat stress, and stunted aerial hyphae compared to the wild-type strain. In this study, a Δgna-1 cr-1 double mutant was analyzed to differentiate cAMP-dependent and -independent signaling pathways regulated by GNA-1. Δgna-1 cr-1 mutants have severely restricted colonial growth and do not produce aerial hyphae on plates or in standing liquid cultures. Addition of cAMP to plates or standing liquid cultures rescues cr-1, but not Δgna-1 cr-1, defects, which is consistent with previous results demonstrating that Δgna-1 mutants do not respond to exogenous cAMP. The females of all strains carrying the Δgna-1 mutation are sterile; however, unlike cr-1 and Δgna-1 strains, the Δgna-1 cr-1 mutant does not produce protoperithecia. The Δgna-1 and cr-1 mutations were synergistic with respect to inappropriate conidiation during growth in submerged culture. Thermotolerance followed the order wild type < Δgna-1 < cr-1 = Δgna-1 cr-1, consistent with a cAMP-dependent process. Taken together, the results suggest that in general, GNA-1 and CR-1 regulate N. crassa growth and development using parallel pathways, while thermotolerance is largely dependent on cAMP.

scholarly journals Mutational Activation of a Gαi Causes Uncontrolled Proliferation of Aerial Hyphae and Increased Sensitivity to Heat and Oxidative Stress in Neurospora crassa

Genetics ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 151 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-117
Author(s):  
Qi Yang ◽  
Katherine A Borkovich
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Signal Transduction Pathway ◽  
Sexual Cycle ◽  
Intracellular Camp ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Independent Functions ◽  
Aerial Hyphae ◽  
Mutational Activation ◽  
Camp Levels

Abstract Heterotrimeric G proteins, consisting of α, β, and γ subunits, transduce environmental signals through coupling to plasma membrane-localized receptors. We previously reported that the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa possesses a Gα protein, GNA-1, that is a member of the Gαi superfamily. Deletion of gna-1 leads to defects in apical extension, differentiation of asexual spores, sensitivity to hyperosmotic media, and female fertility. In addition, Δgna-1 strains have lower intracellular cAMP levels under conditions that promote morphological abnormalities. To further define the function of GNA-1 in signal transduction in N. crassa, we examined properties of strains with mutationally activated gna-1 alleles (R178C or Q204L) as the only source of GNA-1 protein. These mutations are predicted to inhibit the GTPase activity of GNA-1 and lead to constitutive signaling. In the sexual cycle, gna-1R178C and gna-1Q204L strains are female-fertile, but produce fewer and larger perithecia than wild type. During asexual development, gna-1R178C and gna-1Q204L strains elaborate abundant, long aerial hyphae, produce less conidia, and possess lower levels of carotenoid pigments in comparison to wild-type controls. Furthermore, gna-1R178C and gna-1Q204L strains are more sensitive to heat shock and exposure to hydrogen peroxide than wild-type strains, while Δgna-1 mutants are more resistant. In contrast to Δgna-1 mutants, gna-1R178C and gna-1Q204L strains have higher steady-state levels of cAMP than wild type. The results suggest that GNA-1 possesses several Gβγ-independent functions in N. crassa. We propose that GNA-1 mediates signal transduction pathway(s) that regulate aerial hyphae development and sensitivity to heat and oxidative stresses, possibly through modulation of cAMP levels.

scholarly journals The G alpha i homologue gna-1 controls multiple differentiation pathways in Neurospora crassa.

1996 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 1283-1297 ◽  
Author(s):  
F D Ivey ◽  
P N Hodge ◽  
G E Turner ◽  
K A Borkovich
Keyword(s):  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
G Proteins ◽  
Solid Medium ◽  
Sexual Cycle ◽  
Heterotrimeric G Proteins ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Multiple Phenotypes ◽  
Multiple Differentiation ◽  
Differentiation Pathways ◽  
Type Strains

Heterotrimeric G proteins are components of principal signaling pathways in eukaryotes. In higher organisms, alpha subunits of G proteins have been divided into four families, Gi, Gs, Gq, and G12. We previously identified a G alpha i homologue gna-1 in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. Now we report that deletion of gna-1 leads to multiple phenotypes during the vegetative and sexual cycles in N. crassa. On solid medium, delta gna-1 strains have a slower rate of hyphal apical extension than wild type, a rate that is more pronounced under hyperosmotic conditions or in the presence of a cellophane overlay. delta gna-1 mutants accumulate less mass than wild-type strains, and their mass accumulation is not affected in the same way by exposure to light. delta gna-1 strains are defective in macroconidiation, possessing aerial hyphae that are shorter, contain abnormal swellings, and differentiate adherent macroconidia. During the sexual cycle, delta gna-1 strains are fertile as males. However, the mutants are female-sterile, producing small, aberrant female reproductive structures. After fertilization, delta gna-1 female structures do not enlarge and develop normally, and no sexual spores are produced. Thus, mutation of gna-1 results in sex-specific loss of fertility.

scholarly journals Genetic and biochemical analysis of the adenylyl cyclase of Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

1991 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kawamukai ◽  
K Ferguson ◽  
M Wigler ◽  
D Young
Keyword(s):  
Schizosaccharomyces Pombe ◽  
Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Terminal Domain ◽  
Amino Terminal Domain ◽  
Camp Levels ◽  
Adh1 Promoter

The adenylyl cyclase gene, cyr1, of Schizosaccharomyces pombe has been cloned. We have begun an analysis of the function and regulation of adenylyl cyclase by disrupting this gene and by over-expressing all or parts of this gene in various strains. cyr1- strains are viable and contain no measurable cyclic AMP. They conjugate and sporulate under conditions that normally inhibit wild-type strains. Strains containing the cyr1 coding sequences transcribed from the strong adh1 promoter contain greatly elevated adenylyl cyclase activity, as measured in vitro, but only modestly elevated cAMP levels. Such strains conjugate and sporulate less frequently than wild-type cells upon nutrient limitation. Strains which carry the wild-type cyr1 gene but that also express high levels of the amino terminal domain of adenylyl cyclase behave much like cyr1-strains, suggesting that the amino terminal domain can bind a positive regulator. A protein that copurifies with the adenylyl cyclase of S. pombe cross-reacts to antiserum raised against the S. cerevisiae adenylyl cyclase-associated regulatory protein, CAP.

scholarly journals Cardiac Gsα overexpression enhances L-type calcium channels through an adenylyl cyclase independent pathway

1998 ◽  
Vol 95 (16) ◽  
pp. 9669-9674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan S. Lader ◽  
Yong-Fu Xiao ◽  
Yoshihiro Ishikawa ◽  
Yanning Cui ◽  
Dorothy E. Vatner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Protein Kinase A ◽  
Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Cardiac Myocytes ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Kinase A

The α subunit of the stimulatory heterotrimeric G protein (Gsα) is critical for the β-adrenergic receptor activation of the cAMP messenger system. The role of Gsα in regulating cardiac Ca2+ channel activity, however, remains controversial. Cultured neonatal cardiac myocytes from transgenic mice overexpressing cardiac Gsα were used to assess the role of Gsα on the whole-cell Ca2+ currents (ICa). Cardiac myocytes from transgenic mice had a 490% higher peak ICa compared with those of either wild-type controls or Gsα-nonexpressing littermates. The effect of Gsα overexpression was mimicked by intracellular dialysis of wild-type cardiac myocytes with GTPγS-activated Gsα. This effect was not mediated by protein kinase A activation as intracellular perfusion with a protein kinase A inhibitor rendered the same degree of activation in either transgenic or wild-type myocytes also dialyzed with activated Gsα. The data indicate that Gsα overexpression is associated with a constitutive enhancement of ICa which is independent of the cAMP pathway and activation of endogenous adenylyl cyclase.

scholarly journals GPR-4 Is a Predicted G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Required for Carbon Source-Dependent Asexual Growth and Development in Neurospora crassa

2006 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 1287-1300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liande Li ◽  
Katherine A. Borkovich
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Source ◽  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptor ◽  
G Protein Coupled ◽  
Camp Levels ◽  
Mass Accumulation

ABSTRACT The filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa is able to utilize a wide variety of carbon sources. Here, we examine the involvement of a predicted G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), GPR-4, during growth and development in the presence of different carbon sources in N. crassa. Δgpr-4 mutants have reduced mass accumulation compared to the wild type when cultured on high levels of glycerol, mannitol, or arabinose. The defect is most severe on glycerol and is cell density dependent. The genetic and physical relationship between GPR-4 and the three N. crassa Gα subunits (GNA-1, GNA-2, and GNA-3) was explored. All three Gα mutants are defective in mass accumulation when cultured on glycerol. However, the phenotypes of Δgna-1 and Δgpr-4 Δgna-1 mutants are identical, introduction of a constitutively activated gna-1 allele suppresses the defects of the Δgpr-4 mutation, and the carboxy terminus of GPR-4 interacts most strongly with GNA-1 in the yeast two-hybrid assay. Although steady-state cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels are normal in Δgpr-4 strains, exogenous cAMP partially remediates the dry mass defects of Δgpr-4 mutants on glycerol medium and Δgpr-4 strains lack the transient increase in cAMP levels observed in the wild type after addition of glucose to glycerol-grown liquid cultures. Our results support the hypothesis that GPR-4 is coupled to GNA-1 in a cAMP signaling pathway that regulates the response to carbon source in N. crassa. GPR-4-related GPCRs are present in the genomes of several filamentous ascomycete fungal pathogens, raising the possibility that a similar pathway regulates carbon sensing in these organisms.

scholarly journals G Protein Signaling Mediates Developmental Processes and Pathogenesis of Alternaria alternata

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 1280-1288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisuke Yamagishi ◽  
Hiroshi Otani ◽  
Motoichiro Kodama
Keyword(s):  
G Protein ◽  
Alternaria Alternata ◽  
Signal Transduction Pathway ◽  
Intracellular Camp ◽  
Protein Signaling ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Targeted Disruption ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Cellulose Membranes ◽  
Camp Levels

A G protein α subunit gene (AGA1) has been cloned and characterized from a toxigenic and necrotrophic Alternaria alternata pathogen. Targeted disruption of AGA1 in the apple pathotype of A. alternata gave rise to mutants that differed in colony and conidial morphology as well as sporulation. The conidia of wild type and ΔAGA1 mutants showed equal germination on cellulose membranes. However, wild-type germ tubes formed readily from different points around the conidia, grew randomly, and were often branched, whereas those of the mutants formed only at one or both ends of the conidia and tended to grow in straight paths. Targeted disruption of AGA1 also resulted in reduction of pathogenicity on apple leaves, although the mutant produced host-specific AM-toxin, a fungal secondary metabolite associated with pathogenicity of the pathogen, at levels similar to the wild-type strain. Measurement of the intracellular cAMP levels of the mutant revealed that it was consistently higher than that of the wild type, indicating that AGA1 negatively regulates cAMP levels similar to mammalian Gαi systems. These results indicate that the signal transduction pathway represented by AGA1 appears to be involved in developmental pathways leading to sporulation and pathogenesis of A. alternata.

Ultrastructure and Morphology of the Neurospora Crassa Cell Wall Mutants, Slime And Slime X, Using Tem and Sem

1976 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 54-55
Author(s):  
Karen S. Howard ◽  
H. D. Braymer ◽  
M. D. Socolofsky ◽  
S. A. Milligan
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Morphological Comparison ◽  
Small Areas ◽  
Solid Media ◽  
Thin Sectioning ◽  
X Cells ◽  
Mutant Cells ◽  
Isolated Cell

The recently isolated cell wall mutant slime X of Neurospora crassa was prepared for ultrastructural and morphological comparison with the cell wall mutant slime. The purpose of this article is to discuss the methods of preparation for TEM and SEM observations, as well as to make a preliminary comparison of the two mutants.TEM: Cells of the slime mutant were prepared for thin sectioning by the method of Bigger, et al. Slime X cells were prepared in the same manner with the following two exceptions: the cells were embedded in 3% agar prior to fixation and the buffered solutions contained 5% sucrose throughout the procedure.SEM: Two methods were used to prepare mutant and wild type Neurospora for the SEM. First, single colonies of mutant cells and small areas of wild type hyphae were cut from solid media and fixed with OSO4 vapors similar to the procedure used by Harris, et al. with one alteration. The cell-containing agar blocks were dehydrated by immersion in 2,2-dimethoxypropane (DMP).

scholarly journals Isolation and characterization of plasma membranes from wild type Neurospora crassa.

1981 ◽  
Vol 256 (23) ◽  
pp. 12336-12342 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.J. Bowman ◽  
B.J. Bowman ◽  
C.W. Slayman
Keyword(s):  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Isolation And Characterization

scholarly journals DIRECT INDUCTION IN WILD-TYPE NEUROSPORA CRASSA OF MUTANTS (qa-1C) CONSTITUTIVE FOR THE CATABOLISM OF QUINATE AND SHIKIMATE

Genetics ◽  
1972 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-417
Author(s):  
C W H Partridge ◽  
Mary E Case ◽  
Norman H Giles
Keyword(s):  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Color Test ◽  
Catabolic Enzymes ◽  
Direct Induction

ABSTRACT A color test has been developed for the selection and identification of mutants in Neurospora crassa, constitutive for the three normally inducible enzymes which convert quinate to protocatechuate. By this means seven such mutants have been recovered after ultra violet irradiation of wild type and have been shown to be allelic (or very closely linked) to the qa-1C mutants previously obtained by other means. Thus, the regulation of the synthesis of these three catabolic enzymes is indicated to be under the control of a single gene, qa-1+.

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