| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2180978 | Fungal Genetics and Biology | 2011 | 9 Pages |
Pheromones are ubiquitous from bacteria to mammals – a testament to their importance in regulating inter-cellular communication. In fungal species, they play a critical role in choreographing interactions between mating partners during the program of sexual reproduction. Here, we describe how fungal pheromones are synthesized, their interactions with G protein-coupled receptors, and the signals propagated by this interaction, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a reference point. Divergence from this model system is compared amongst the ascomycetes and basidiomycetes, which reveals the wealth of information that has been gleaned from studying pheromone-driven processes across a wide spectrum of the fungal kingdom.
► We compare and contrast pheromone signaling in ascomycetes and basidiomycetes. ► Pheromones regulate both heterothallic and homothallic modes of fungal mating. ► MAPK signaling is conserved, yet finer aspects of mating regulation differ between species. ► Plasticity in pheromone signaling can drive evolution of new modes of sexual reproduction.
