Genetics Of Morphogenesis Research Articles

Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Major Deletions in the Genome of M7, a Gamma Ray-Induced Mutant of Trichoderma virens That Is Repressed in Conidiation, Secondary Metabolism, and Mycoparasitism.

Trichoderma virens is a commercial biofungicide used in agriculture. We have earlier isolated a mutant of T. virens using gamma ray-induced mutagenesis. This mutant, designated as M7, is defective in morphogenesis, secondary metabolism, and mycoparasitism. The mutant does not produce conidia, and the colony is hydrophilic. M7 cannot utilize cellulose and chitin as a sole carbon source and is unable to parasitize the plant pathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium aphanidermatum in confrontation assay. Several volatile (germacrenes, beta-caryophyllene, alloaromadendrene, gamma-muurolene) and non-volatile (viridin, viridiol, gliovirin, heptelidic acid) metabolites are not detected in M7. In transcriptome analysis, many genes related to secondary metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, hydrophobicity, and transportation, among others, were found to be downregulated in the mutant. Using whole genome sequencing, we identified five deletions in the mutant genome, totaling about 250 kb (encompassing 71 predicted ORFs), which was confirmed by PCR. This study provides novel insight into genetics of morphogenesis, secondary metabolism, and mycoparasitism and eventually could lead to the identification of novel regulators of beneficial traits in plant beneficial fungi Trichoderma spp. We also suggest that this mutant can be developed as a microbial cell factory for the production of secondary metabolites and proteins.

Patterns in Fungal Development

1. Inside the developing mushroom - cells, tissues and tissue patterns D. Moore 2. A new model for hyphal tip extension and its application to differential fungal morphogenesis B. Johnson, G. Calleja and B. Yoo 3. Pattern formation and development of the fungal mycelium K. Klein 4. The genetics of morphogenesis in Neurospora crassa P. Vierula 5. Nuclear changes during fungal development Sui-Wai Chiu 6. Experimental approaches to the study of pattern formation in Coprinus cinereus A. Bourne, Sui-Wai Chiu and D. Moore 7. Control of growth and patterning in the fungal fruiting structure - a case for the involvement of hormones L. Novak-Fraser 8. Patterns in fungal development - fruiting patterns in nature R. Watling Index.