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Dynein Heavy Chain, Encoded by Two Genes in Agaricomycetes, is Required for Nuclear Migration in Schizophyllum commune

Summary

This research reveals how fungi have evolved a unique way of moving cellular components by splitting an important motor protein into two parts. This discovery helps us understand how cells transport materials and organize themselves internally. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides insights into how cells organize and move their contents – Helps understand evolution of protein complexes – Advances our knowledge of fungal biology which is important for agriculture and biotechnology – Could lead to new strategies for controlling fungal growth – May inspire new approaches in cellular engineering and biotechnology

Background

The white-rot fungus Schizophyllum commune is a model organism for studying cell biology and microtubular trafficking during mating interactions. During mating, partners exchange nuclei that are transported along microtubule tracks using the motor protein dynein. In S. commune, the dynein heavy chain is uniquely encoded by two separate genes (dhc1 and dhc2), which is a phenomenon specific to Basidiomycota.

Objective

To investigate the function of the split dynein heavy chain proteins in S. commune by analyzing the effects of deleting the dhc1 gene and the motor domain in dhc2, and to understand how this split motor protein arrangement affects nuclear migration and cellular processes.

Results

Both dhc1 and dhc2 deletion mutants were viable but showed reduced growth rates and altered hyphal morphology. The mutants exhibited defects in nuclear positioning and cell size. While Δdhc1 showed normal mating behavior but impaired fruiting body development, Δdhc2 mutants could donate but not accept nuclei during mating. The viability of Δdhc2 was found to be due to increased expression of kinesin-2 and kinesin-14, which compensated for the loss of dynein function.

Conclusion

The study revealed that the split dynein heavy chain arrangement in S. commune represents a unique evolutionary adaptation in Basidiomycota, with three independent splitting events identified. Both proteins have overlapping functions in maintaining cell shape and nuclear distribution, while dhc2 has additional roles in nuclear migration and tip growth. The viability of deletion mutants suggests alternative mechanisms for minus-end directed transport through kinesin proteins.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135616
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