Bistability and hysteresis of the 'Secteur' differentiation are controlled by a two-gene locus in Nectria haematococca.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bistability and hysteresis are increasingly recognized as major properties of regulatory networks governing numerous biological phenomena, such as differentiation and cell cycle progression. The full scope of the underlying molecular mechanisms leading to bistability and hysteresis remains elusive. Nectria haemaotcocca, a saprophytic or pathogenic fungus with sexual reproduction, exhibits a bistable morphological modification characterized by a reduced growth rate and an intense pigmentation. Bistability is triggered by the presence or absence of sigma, a cytoplasmic determinant. This determinant spreads in an infectious manner in the hyphae of the growing margin, insuring hysteresis of the differentiation.

Results

Seven mutants specifically affected in the genera

SUBMITTER: Graziani S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC516043 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature