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The N ‐terminal region of the N eurospora NDR kinase COT1 regulates morphology via its interactions with MOB2A / B
Author(s) -
Ziv Carmit,
Feldman Daria,
AharoniKats Liran,
Chen She,
Liu Yi,
Yarden Oded
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1111/mmi.12371
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , biology , kinase , phosphorylation , morphogenesis , mutant , immunoprecipitation , biochemistry , gene
Summary Nuclear Dbf2p ‐related ( NDR ) protein kinases are important for cell differentiation and polar morphogenesis in various organisms, yet some of their functions are still elusive. Dysfunction of the N eurospora crassa NDR kinase COT1 leads to cessation of tip extension and hyperbranching. NDR kinases require the physical interaction between the kinase's N ‐terminal region ( NTR ) and the MPS1 ‐binding ( MOB ) proteins for their activity and functions. To study the interactions between COT1 and MOB2 proteins, we mutated several conserved residues and a novel phosphorylation site within the COT1 NTR . The phenotypes of these mutants suggest that the NTR is required for COT1 functions in regulating hyphal elongation and branching, asexual conidiation and germination. Interestingly, while both MOB2A and MOB2B promote proper hyphal growth, they have distinct COT1 ‐dependent roles in regulation of macroconidiation. Immunoprecipitation experiments indicate physical association of COT1 with both MOB2A and MOB2B , simultaneously. Furthermore, the binding of the two MOB2 proteins to COT1 is mediated by different residues at the COT1 NTR , suggesting a hetero‐trimer is formed. Thus, although MOB2A / B may have some overlapping functions in regulating hyphal tip extension, their function is not redundant and they are both required for proper fungal development.