Abstract

Self-signalling and self fusion during hyphal network formation in Neurospora crassa

Self fusion between genetically identical hyphae is a characteristic feature of the lifestyles of most filamentous fungi. Hyphal networking via hyphal fusion allows the fungal colony to act as a cooperative unit and single individual. It serves many useful functions including facilitating nutrient transport, water translocation and communication throughout the colony. Recently we discovered that hyphal fusion during colony establishment in the model Neurospora crassa involves the induction, homing and fusion of specialized hyphae called conidial anastomosis tubes (CATs). We have established the CAT system as a simple and experimentally amenable model in which to analyze self-signalling and self fusion in filamentous fungi. My talk will cover the following topics: (1) hyphal fusion in the mature colony and during colony initiation; (2) screening for mutants compromised in self-signalling and hyphal fusion; (3) use of laser tweezers as experimental tools to analyze cell-cell communication; and (4) the mechanistic basis of self-signalling.