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Control of filamentous fungal cell shape by septins and formins

Nature Reviews Microbiology volume 4, pages 223–229 (2006)Cite this article

An Erratum to this article was published on 01 April 2006

Abstract

Studies in various model systems have identified two protein families that are crucial for shaping cell morphology: the septins and the formins. Both families are conserved in most eukaryotes, but the functions and regulation of individual homologues can vary depending on their precise cellular context. The rich array of cell geometries found in different filamentous fungal species provides a powerful experimental canvas for studying the evolution and regulation of septins and formins. Here, I assimilate what is known about the function of these protein families in filamentous fungi and propose that further studies in these organisms could answer some open mechanistic questions that pertain in general to eukaryotic cells.

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Figure 1: Examples of diverse fungal cell shapes.
Figure 2: Septin organization in different filamentous fungi.
Figure 3: Formin localization and mutant phenotypes.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank H.-P. Schmitz, H. Helfer and P. Knechtle in P. Philippsen's group at the University of Basel for many interesting discussions about septins and formins.

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  1. Department of Biology, Dartmouth College, Gilman Hall, Hanover, 03755, New Hampshire, USA

    Amy S. Gladfelter

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DATABASES

Entrez Genome Project

Ashbya gossypii

Aspergillus nidulans

Candida albicans

Neurospora crassa

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Ustilago maydis

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Gladfelter, A. Control of filamentous fungal cell shape by septins and formins. Nat Rev Microbiol 4, 223–229 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1345

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