The pep4 gene encoding proteinase A is involved in dimorphism and pathogenesis of Ustilago maydis.

ABSTRACT: Vacuole proteases have important functions in different physiological processes in fungi. Taking this aspect into consideration, and as a continuation of our studies on the analysis of the proteolytic system of Ustilago maydis, a phytopathogenic member of the Basidiomycota, we have analysed the role of the pep4 gene encoding the vacuolar acid proteinase PrA in the pathogenesis and morphogenesis of the fungus. After confirmation of the location of the protease in the vacuole using fluorescent probes, we obtained deletion mutants of the gene in sexually compatible strains of U. maydis (FB1 and FB2), and analysed their phenotypes. It was observed that the yeast to mycelium dimorphic transition induced by a pH change in the medium, or the use of a fatty acid as sole carbon source, was severely

SUBMITTER: Soberanes-Gutierrez CV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6638482 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature