The novel Aspergillus fumigatus MAT1-2-4 mating-type gene is required for mating and cleistothecia formation
Yu Y, Amich J, Will C, Eagle CE, Dyer PS, Krappmann S (2017)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2017
Journal
Book Volume: 108
Pages Range: 1-12
DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.09.001
Abstract
Sexual propagation accompanied by recombination and the formation of spore-containing fruiting bodies is a cornerstone of fungal genetics and biology. In the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus sexual identity has previously been shown to be determined by MAT1-1-1 or MAT1-2-1 genes which act as transcriptional regulators and are present within idiomorphs found at the MAT locus. We here report the identification and first characterization of a further novel gene, termed MAT1-2-4, that is present in the MAT1-2 idiomorph of A. fumigatus. A mating-type swapping strategy was used to achieve an unbiased deletion of the MAT1-2-4 gene with no impact on MAT1-2-1 gene expression. Phenotypical characterization of the resulting strain revealed an inability to mate with the compatible MAT1-1 progenitor, demonstrating that the MAT1-2-4 gene product is a genuine mating-type factor required for correct sexual development. A GPI-anchored protein of unknown function was identified as interaction partner. However, no functional role in the mating process or ascosporogenesis could be demonstrated by deletion analysis for this latter protein, although a role in heterokaryon formation is suggested. Bioinformatic analysis also demonstrated the presence of MAT1-2-4 homologues in some, but not all, other Aspergillus species and the evolutionary origins and implications of the MAT1-2-4 gene are discussed.
Authors with CRIS profile
Yidong Yu
Professur für Klinische Mikrobiologie und Immunologie
Christine Will
Institut für Physiologie und Pathophysiologie
Sven Krappmann
Professur für Klinische Mikrobiologie und Immunologie
Involved external institutions
United Kingdom (GB)How to cite
APA:
Yu, Y., Amich, J., Will, C., Eagle, C.E., Dyer, P.S., & Krappmann, S. (2017). The novel Aspergillus fumigatus MAT1-2-4 mating-type gene is required for mating and cleistothecia formation. Fungal Genetics and Biology, 108, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fgb.2017.09.001
MLA:
Yu, Yidong, et al. "The novel Aspergillus fumigatus MAT1-2-4 mating-type gene is required for mating and cleistothecia formation." Fungal Genetics and Biology 108 (2017): 1-12.
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