Investigating the role of a metacaspase in the mushroom fungus Schizophyllum commune

Abstract

The present study was designed to help elucidate the role of a metacaspase in the life cycle of the mushroom‐producing fungus Schizophyllum commune. Results from a wide variety of previous studies indicate that apoptosis is essential to the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Metacaspases (found in fungi, plants and protists) are hypothesized to have similar activity to caspases, which are key components in apoptosis. The role of one metacaspase in S. commune will be assessed by disabling one of the four genes that code for metacaspase proteins in this organism. A "knockout" DNA construct of the gene has recently been constructed in our laboratory. This construct will be homologously integrated into the genome via DNA‐mediated transformation, producing a "null mutant". The null mutant will be examined to determine any possible effects on mushroom production and reproduction in this species. We hypothesize that without a completely functioning apoptotic mechanism in the mutant strains to remove aged and sterile cells, normally reproductive fruiting bodies may develop into sterile structures or not form completely. The results of these experiments should help us gain an understanding of the mechanisms regulating mushroom development in this model organism. Supported by a Union College IEF Grant to A.R.G.