We are interested in the role of the cytoskeleton and molecular motors in the plantpathogenic basidiomycete Ustilago maydis . During its development this fungus undergoes a morphological transition from a yeast-like cell to a filamentous hypha. This is followed by directed growth towards the infection site and within the host.
Fungal growth is based on polarized secretion at sites of cell expansion.
This process includes the delivery of vesicles containing exoenzymes and cell wall components. In addition, tip growth is accompanied by directed transport of organelles like nuclei, vacuoles and mitochondria, which are subsequently positioned within the fungal cell. The cytoskeleton is of crucial importance in these fundamental processes. This helps to organize the cell and supports the maintenance of cell polarity. Although fungi and higher eukaryotes have motor classes in common, only a few types of motors have been identified in fungi, thus far.