Title

Cold shock as a screen for genes involved in cold acclimatization in Neurospora crassa

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-4-2018

Journal Title

G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics

Abstract

When subjected to rapid drops of temperature (cold shock), Neurospora responds with a temporary shift in its morphology. This report is the first to examine this response genetically. We report here the results of a screen of selected mutants from the Neurospora knockout library for alterations in their morphological response to cold shock and thus, their ability to acclimatize to the cold. Three groups of knockouts were selected to be subject to this screen: genes previously suspected to be involved in hyphal development as well as knockouts resulting in morphological changes; transcription factors; and genes homologous to E. coli genes known to alter their expression in response to cold shock. A total of 115 strains were identified with altered responses. We report here the cold shock morphologies and GO categorizations of strains subjected to this screen. Of strains with knockouts in genes associated with hyphal growth or morphology, 30 of 129 tested (23%) showed an altered response to cold shock. Of strains with knockouts in transcription factor genes, 30 of 147 (20%) showed an altered response to cold shock. Of strains with knockouts in genes homologous to E. coli genes which display altered levels of transcription in response to cold shock, a total of 55 of 68 tested (81%) showed an altered cold shock response. This suggests that the response to cold shock in these two organisms is largely shared in common.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS