Regulation of septum formation by the SIN, MOR and BUD modules

真菌是分析生长和分化的基本机制的杰出模型。它们是地球上第二大真核生物，因其在生态学、生物技术中的重要性以及作为植物和人类病原体的作用而被公认。大多数真菌形成菌丝菌落，由分枝菌丝网络组成，通过顶端延伸生长，并由穿孔的横壁隔开，称为隔膜。这种通信细胞单元的分割是真菌实现形态复杂性和真菌王国成功的基础。尽管隔膜对真菌的生长、增殖和分化很重要，但我们对隔膜的形成及其调控的了解仍然非常零散。基于我们初步和已发表的关于两个NDR激酶级联和BUD3-BUD4标志性复合体之间相互作用的数据，我们将确定(I)间隔起始网络的组成和调节，(Ii)其与微管组织和核行为的潜在联系，(Iii)间隔放置和收缩肌球蛋白环形成过程中的肌动蛋白动力学，(Iv)SIN/MOR网络的交叉调节，以及(V)间隔起始和终止过程中SIN/Mor激酶的候选靶点。使用经典和分子遗传学方法，以及激酶和Rho GTP酶生物化学和生命显微镜，我们将剖析控制模型霉菌中分离的机制。该项目将为控制多核真核细胞生长和分化的基本机制提供洞察力。

Fungi are outstanding models for the analysis of fundamental mechanisms underlying growth and differentiation. They represent the second largest group of eukaryotic organisms on earth and are recognized for their importance in ecology, biotechnology and their role as plant and human pathogens. Most fungi form mycelial colonies that consist of networks of branched hyphae, grow by apical extension and are compartmentalized by perforated cross-walls, called septa. This segmentation of communicating cell units is the basis for the morphological complexity achieved by the fungi and for the success of the fungal kingdom. Despite the importance of septation for fungal growth, proliferation and differentiation, our understanding of septum formation and its regulation is highly fragmentary. Based on our preliminary and published data on the interplay between two NDR kinase cascades and the BUD3-BUD4 landmark complex, we will determine (i) the composition and regulation of the septation initiation network, (ii) its potential connection with microtubule organization and nuclear behavior, (iii) the actin dynamics during septum placement and formation of the contractile actmyosin ring, (iv) the cross-regulation of the SIN/MOR networks, and (v) characterize candidate targets of the SIN/MOR kinases during septation initiation and termination. Using classical and molecular genetic approaches along with kinase and Rho GTPase biochemistry and life-microscopy we will dissect the mechanisms that control septation in a model mold. This project will provide insight into the fundamental mechanisms controlling growth and differentiation of multinucleated eukaryotic cells.