Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton is a dynamic but well organized intracellular framework that is indispensable for proper
functioning of eukaryotic cells. The plethora of functions ranges from facilitating transport of vesicles, muscle
contraction, formation of contractile rings, nuclear segregation, endocytosis and facilitating apical cell
expansions. To visualize the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton in the oomycete Phytophthora infestans
we generated transformants expressing the actin binding peptide Lifeact-eGFP as an in vivo marker.
Fluorescence microscopy revealed that all actin structures in P. infestans hyphae, including actin filament
cables and actin filament plaques, are cortically localized. The actin filament plaques are distributed over the
hyphae but their presence in the hyphal tip is related to hyphal tip growth. They are nearly immobile with an
extremely long lifespan when compared to that of actin patches in other eukaryotes and their disassembly
is not accompanied with internalization and the formation of endocytic vesicles as is the case with actin
patches in yeast. We also investigated the in vivo actin cytoskeleton dynamics during growth in a low nutrient
environment and during early stages of pathogenesis such as appressorium formation and infection. Our
observations suggest that the actin cytoskeleton performs a variety of regulatory roles during distinct life stages
of P. infestans. Future efforts will focus at identifying interactors and key regulators of the actin cytoskeleton
and pinpoint features in the actin network that are unique for oomycetes.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Book of Abstracts Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network Meeting |
Pages | 14 |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Event | 2014 OMGN Meeting, Norwich, UK - Duration: 2 Jul 2014 → 4 Jul 2014 |
Conference/symposium
Conference/symposium | 2014 OMGN Meeting, Norwich, UK |
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Period | 2/07/14 → 4/07/14 |