Genetic and molecular analysis of phytochromes from the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa.

ABSTRACT: Phytochromes (Phys) comprise a superfamily of red-/far-red-light-sensing proteins. Whereas higher-plant Phys that control numerous growth and developmental processes have been well described, the biochemical characteristics and functions of the microbial forms are largely unknown. Here, we describe analyses of the expression, regulation, and activities of two Phys in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. In addition to containing the signature N-terminal domain predicted to covalently associate with a bilin chromophore, PHY-1 and PHY-2 contain C-terminal histidine kinase and response regulator motifs, implying that they function as hybrid two-component sensor kinases activated by light. A bacterially expressed N-terminal fragment of PHY-2 covalently bound either biliverdin or phycocyan

SUBMITTER: Froehlich AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1317490 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature