Advances in exocyst complex in filamentous fungi

Abstract:

Exocyst is an octameric protein complex that plays a crucial role in the docking and tethering of post-Golgi secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cell. The subunit of exocyst complex directly interacts with small GTPases and provides precise spatiotemporal regulation in polarized exocytosis. The growth of filamentous fungi is accomplished by polarized growth in hypha tip, and it possess strong ability of protein secretion. Filamentous fungi are ideal experimental system in study exocyst complex. Exocyst affects morphogenesis and pathogenesis in filamentous fungi. This review summarized current research on exocyst complex in filamentous fungi, including its composition, localization of subunit, function and regulation.

Key words:filamentous fungi;exocyst;polarized growth;pathogenesis