Core components of endosomal mRNA transport are evolutionarily conserved in fungi

Fungal Genet Biol. 2019 May:126:12-16. doi: 10.1016/j.fgb.2019.01.013. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

Abstract

Active movement of mRNAs by sophisticated transport machineries determines precise spatiotemporal expression of encoded proteins. A prominent example discovered in fungi is microtubule-dependent transport via endosomes. This mode of transport was thought to be only operational in the basidiomycete Ustilago maydis. Here, we report that distinct core components are evolutionarily conserved in fungal species of distantly related phyla like Mucoromycota. Interestingly, orthologues of the key RNA-binding protein Rrm4 from the higher basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea and the mucoromycete Rhizophagus irregularis shuttle on endosomes in hyphae of U. maydis. Thus, endosomal mRNA transport appears to be more wide-spread than initially anticipated.

Keywords: Endosome; FYVE; PAM2; RNA recognition motif; RNA transport.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution*
  • Endosomes / metabolism*
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Fungi / genetics*
  • Fungi / metabolism
  • Hyphae / metabolism
  • RNA Recognition Motif
  • RNA Transport*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger