The Polo-like kinase PLKA in Aspergillus nidulans is not essential but plays important roles during vegetative growth and development.

摘要: The Polo-like kinases (Plks) are conserved, multifunctional cell cycle regulators that induced in many forms of cancer and play additional roles metazoan development. We previously identified plkA Aspergillus nidulans, the only Plk investigated filamentous fungi to date, partially characterized its function through overexpression. Here, we report null phenotype. Surprisingly, was not essential, unlike Plks other organisms contain a single homologue. A subset cells lacking PLKA contained defects spindle formation chromosome organization, supporting some conservation function. However, septa were present, suggesting PLKA, Plks, is central regulator septation. Colonies compact with multibranched hyphae, implying role for this factor aspects hyphal morphogenesis. These suppressed by high temperature or low concentrations benomyl, may during vegetative growth influencing microtubule dynamics. colonies also showed reduced conidiation precocious sexual Hulle benomyl- temperature-insensitive manner. This result suggests influence reproduction distinct mechanisms represents first example link between development fungi. Finally, fungal have features, phylogenetic analyses reveal they group more closely PLK4. In contrast, yeast similar proteins PLK1 PLK3. Thus, A. nidulans shows but novel morphogenesis