The Function of the Coding Sequences for the Putative Pheromone Precursors in Podospora anserina Is Restricted to Fertilization

• DOI: 10.1128/ec.4.2.407-420.2005
• Publication Date: 2005-02-08T20:18:15Z
• Authors: Evelyne Coppin; Christelle de Renty; Robert Debuchy
• Keywords: Podospora anserina; Coding region

ABSTRACT We cloned the pheromone precursor genes of Podospora anserina in order to elucidate their role biology this fungus. The mfp gene encodes a 24-amino-acid polypeptide finished by CAAX motif, characteristic fungal lipopeptide precursors similar -factor Saccharomyces cerevisiae . mfm 221-amino-acid polypeptide, which is related S. α-factor and contains two 13-residue repeats assumed correspond mature pheromone. deleted coding sequence replacement. mutations specifically affect male fertility, without impairing female fertility vegetative growth. defect mating type specific: mat + Δ − mutants produce cells inactive fertilization whereas show normal fertility. Genetic data indicate that both are transcribed at low level hyphae. Northern-blot analysis shows transcription induced types microconidia ( −). managed cross strains opposite type, complementation transient expression trigger fertilization. These crosses were fertile, demonstrating once occurs, unnecessary for completion sexual cycle. Finally, we constitutively gpd :: constructs repressed posttranscriptional noncognate type.