Abstract
In spite of its prevalence in animals and plants, endogenous nitric oxide (NO) has been rarely reported in fungi. We present here our observations on production of intracellular NO and its possible roles during development of Neurospora crassa, a model filamentous fungus. Intracellular NO was detected in hypha 8–16 hours after incubation in Vogel’s minimal liquid media and conidiophores during conidiation using a fluorescent indicator (DAF-FM diacetate). Treatment with cPTIO, an NO scavenger, significantly reduced fluorescence levels and hindered hyphal growth in liquid media and conidiation, whereas exogenous NO enhanced hyphal extension on VM agar media and conidia formation. NO scavenging also dramatically diminished transcription of con-10 and con-13, genes preferentially expressed during conidiation. Our results suggest that intracellular NO is generated in young hypha growing in submerged culture and during conidia development and regulate mycelial development and conidia formation.
Highlights
Dependent pathways, as shown in animals, plants, and bacteria
After DAF-FM diacetate enters a cell, the acetyl group is hydrolyzed by intracellular esterase and DAF-FM, which is not fluorescent, becomes benzotriazole and fluoresces when it reacts with NO29
Fluorescence detected by DAF-FM diacetate was increased in fungal hypha grown for 8–16 hours in VM (Vogel’s Minimal) liquid (Fig. 1a) and in conidiophores after 16–20 hours on VM agar plates, used to induce synchronized aerial hypha formation and conidiophore development (Fig. 1b)
Summary
Despite the discovery of NOS like activities in several fungi, evidence for fungal NOS is still limited[8,12,25,28]. Evidence for the direct detection of NO in fungal cells is few, and the origin of intracellular NO and its functions are still unknown in many fungi. We analyzed intracellular production and functions of NO during fungal development using a model filamentous fungus, N. crassa. The majority of NO biology in N. crassa is still unknown due to lack of direct detection of intracellular NO and lack of NOS like genes in the N. crassa genome. Our study was designed to elucidate endogenous generation and biological functions of NO in N. crassa
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
