serval:BIB_AAB485178DB7
Molecular mechanisms of chemotropism and cell fusion in unicellular fungi.
10.1242/jcs.230706
000473327900013
31152053
Martin
S.G.
author
article
review
2019-05-31
Journal of cell science
1477-9137
0021-9533
journal
132
11
In all eukaryotic phyla, cell fusion is important for many aspects of life, from sexual reproduction to tissue formation. Fungal cells fuse during mating to form the zygote, and during vegetative growth to connect mycelia. Prior to fusion, cells first detect gradients of pheromonal chemoattractants that are released by their partner and polarize growth in their direction. Upon pairing, cells digest their cell wall at the site of contact and merge their plasma membrane. In this Review, I discuss recent work on the chemotropic response of the yeast models Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, which has led to a novel model of gradient sensing: the cell builds a motile cortical polarized patch, which acts as site of communication where pheromones are released and sensed. Initial patch dynamics serve to correct its position and align it with the gradient from the partner cell. Furthermore, I highlight the transition from cell wall expansion during growth to cell wall digestion, which is imposed by physical and signaling changes owing to hyperpolarization that is induced by cell proximity. To conclude, I discuss mechanisms of membrane fusion, whose characterization remains a major challenge for the future.
Cell Communication
Cell Fusion
Cell Polarity/physiology
Cell Wall/metabolism
Chemotactic Factors/metabolism
Chemotaxis/physiology
Membrane Fusion/physiology
Pheromones/metabolism
Saccharomyces cerevisiae/physiology
Schizosaccharomyces/physiology
Cdc42
Cell fusion
Cell polarity
Chemotropism
MAPK
Pheromone gradient
S. cerevisiae
S. pombe
eng
60_published
true
peer-reviewed
Publication types: Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Review
Publication Status: epublish
University of Lausanne
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