Disease relevance of Phycomyces

• The lycopene cyclase domain of carRA derived from a duplication of a gene from a common ancestor of fungi and Brevibacterium linens; the phytoene synthase domain is similar to the phytoene and squalene synthases of many organisms; but the regulatory functions appear to be specific to Phycomyces [1].

High impact information on Phycomyces

• Here, we identify two (duplicated) homologs in the White Collar 1 family of blue-light photoreceptors in Phycomyces [2].
• A single gene for lycopene cyclase, phytoene synthase, and regulation of carotene biosynthesis in Phycomyces [1].
• The existence and the mode of operation of certain enzyme aggregates may be established from the concentrations of intermediates measured in the presence of specific inhibitors. beta-Carotene, the most abundant carotenoid pigment in the fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus, arises from ring formation at both ends of lycopene [3].
• As a first step toward the molecular analysis of these genes and their products, we have developed a transformation protocol for Phycomyces by using a plasmid containing the kanamycin-resistance gene from Tn903 and a Phycomyces DNA fragment capable of supporting autonomous replication in yeast (ARS) [4].
• The biosynthesis of gallic acid was studied in cultures of the fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus and in leaves of the tree Rhus typhina [5].

Biological context of Phycomyces

• The fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus has a relatively small genome, 30 megabases (Mb), with a low guanine and cytosine (G + C) content, 35%; the coding sequences cloned to date all have a G + C content of about 50% [6].
• The optimal conditions for nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis in Phycomyces differ from those for bacteria and yeast [7].
• We have quantitatively determined the carotenes synthesized by Phycomyces under conditions of partially blocked cyclization and in the presence of either car A mutations in heterokaryosis or polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate (Tween-80) in the medium [8].
• Effect of pH on the role of Mg2+ and Mn2+ on Phycomyces isocitrate lyase kinetics [9].
• Plasmids with a bacterial gene for geneticin resistance under a Phycomyces promoter were either injected into immature sporangia or incubated with spheroplasts [10].

Associations of Phycomyces with chemical compounds

• Three serine proteinases of Phycomyces blakesleeanus were isolated and characterized [11].
• Methyl trisporate E. A sex pheromone in Phycomyces blakesleeanus [12].
• Isocitrate lyase was purified from Phycomyces blakesleeanus N.R.R.L. 1555(-) [13].
• Lactate dehydrogenase in Phycomyces blakesleeanus [14].
• 1. An NAD-specific L(+)-lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) from the mycelium of Phycomyces blakesleeanus N.R.R.L. 1555 (-) was purified approximately 700-fold [14].

Gene context of Phycomyces

• Isolation and molecular analysis of the orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase gene (pyrG) of Phycomyces blakesleeanus [15].
• Two forms of acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS1 and ACS2) have been detected in Phycomyces blakesleeanus [16].
• The complete nucleotide (nt) sequence of the cloned TRP1 gene from Phycomyces blakesleeanus is reported [17].
• The carB gene, encoding the phytoene dehydrogenase of Mucor circinelloides, was isolated by heterologous hybridisation with a probe derived from the corresponding gene of Phycomyces blakesleeanus [18].
• The optimum pH for the carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activity of BCE1 was 4.5, and the optimum temperature was 55 degrees C. Among family 45 endoglucanases, RCE1 and RCE2 from Rhizopus oryzae, PCE1 from Phycomyces nitens, and EGL3 and EGL4 from Humicola grisea, BCE1 was most resistant to anionic surfactant and oxidizing agent [19].

Analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic context of Phycomyces

• Complementation tests among Phycomyces auxotrophic strains revealed the existence of four genes with mutants requiring riboflavin, three genes with purine auxotrophs, two with nicotinic acid auxotrophs, and two with lysine auxotrophs [20].
• By using a polymerase chain reaction based cloning strategy we isolated the gene (carB) encoding the enzyme phytoene dehydrogenase from Phycomyces blakesleeanus [21].

References