rco-3, a gene involved in glucose transport and conidiation in Neurospora crassa

Genetics. 1997 Jun;146(2):499-508. doi: 10.1093/genetics/146.2.499.

Abstract

Macroconidiation in Neurospora crassa is influenced by a number of environmental cues, including the nutritional status of the growing organism. Conidia formation is normally observed when the fungus is exposed to air. However, carbon limitation can induce conidiation in mycclia submerged in an aerated liquid medium. A mutant was previously isolated that could conidiate in submerged culture without imposing nutrient limitation and the gene responsible for this phenotype (rco-3) has now been cloned. RCO3 exhibits sequence similarity to members of the sugar transporter gene superfamily, with greatest similarity to glucose transporters of yeast. Consistent with this structural similarity, we find that glucose transport activity is altered in the mutant. However, growth of the mutant in media containing alternate carbon sources does not suppress conidiation in submerged culture. The properties of the mutant suggest that RCO3 is required for expression of glucose transport activity, glucose regulation of gene expression, and general carbon repression of development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Biological Transport
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Culture Media
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal / genetics
  • Genes, Fungal
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Monosaccharide Transport Proteins / chemistry
  • Monosaccharide Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Neurospora crassa / chemistry
  • Neurospora crassa / genetics*
  • Neurospora crassa / physiology
  • Phenotype
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Spores, Fungal

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • Monosaccharide Transport Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Glucose

Associated data

  • GENBANK/U54768