Functional analyses of heterotrimeric G protein G alpha and G beta subunits in Gibberella zeae.

ABSTRACT: The homothallic ascomycete fungus Gibberella zeae (anamorph: Fusarium graminearum) is a major toxigenic plant pathogen that causes head blight disease on small-grain cereals. The fungus produces the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) in infected hosts, posing a threat to human and animal health. Despite its agricultural and toxicological importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying its growth, development and virulence remain largely unknown. To better understand such mechanisms, we studied the heterotrimeric G proteins of G. zeae, which are known to control crucial signalling pathways that regulate various cellular and developmental responses in fungi. Three putative Galpha subunits, GzGPA1, GzGPA2 and GzGPA3, and one Gbeta subunit, GzGPB1, were identified in the F.

SUBMITTER: Yu HY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2885625 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature