25 A Eukaryotic Neighbor: Dictyostelium discoideum

摘要: The Dictyostelium cells that become stalk sacrifice themselves and die to help the spore get dispersed, studies of how different strains either cooperate or cheat is helping open this field. There are several human diseases therapies for can be usefully studied using simplicity uncover molecular mechanisms. accomplish by secreting a glycoprotein called prestarvation factor (PSF). Insight into such quorum-sensing mechanism functions was gained when it observed D. discoideum starved at low cell densities differentiate only in buffer previously conditioned high density cells. cell-autonomous musical chairs cell-type choice causes prespore prestalk appear random places within mound. To maintain proper ration cells, convert anterior-like (ALC), which PstO then PstA Differentiation-inducing (DIF)-1 induces expression genes represses genes. In addition being an excellent organism study chemotaxis, development, differentiation, also used understand basis disease. One under investigation Legionnaires’ disease, caused infection Legionella pneumophila bacteria. humans, inhaled L. phagocytosed macrophages present lungs. uses both G-protein-coupled receptors two-component receptors, while myxobacteria use systems.