Increased nuclear traffic chaos in hyphae of Aspergillus nidulans: molecular characterization of apsB and in vivo observation of nuclear behaviour

Mol Microbiol. 1998 Nov;30(4):831-42. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2958.1998.01115.x.

Abstract

Filamentous fungi are model microorganisms for studying nuclear migration in eukaryotic cells. Two genes, apsA and apsB (=anucleate primary sterigmata), were identified in Aspergillus nidulans that affect nuclear distribution in hyphae and specifically block conidiophore development at the metula stage when mutant. Here we describe the cloning, sequencing and molecular analysis of apsB. The gene encodes a 121 kDa coiled-coil, hydrophilic protein that was localized in the cytoplasm. No protein-protein interaction was detected between ApsB and ApsA, a membrane-associated, previously identified protein. An apsB null mutant was characterized by video epifluorescence microscopy using strains that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in nuclei. With this novel approach, we have discovered a new mutant phenotype and have found that nuclei display an increased chaotic movement in older hyphal compartments that results in clustering and an uneven distribution of these organelles. These results suggest a regulatory role of ApsB in nuclear migration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Aspergillus nidulans / genetics
  • Aspergillus nidulans / metabolism
  • Aspergillus nidulans / physiology*
  • Base Sequence
  • Biological Transport
  • Cell Nucleus / physiology*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • DNA, Fungal
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Fungal Proteins / physiology*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutagenesis
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • APSB protein, Emericella nidulans
  • DNA, Fungal
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • apsA protein, Aspergillus nidulans

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AJ003163