| The Neurospora crassa protein kinase C (NPKC) is reported to be a regulator of light responsive genes and phosphorylates the light receptor WC-1. The single NPKC isoform is predicted to be activated by DAG, as are novel PKCs in animals. An endogenous DAG rhythm was previously reported in Neurospora.;To investigate the functional interaction of NPKC and DAG in Neurospora, I constructed a strain that expresses a PKC-GFP fusion protein. Results show that NPKC localizes to the growing tip, pre-branch sites, branch tip and sub-apical plasma membrane in actively growing hyphae. Overexpression of NPKC causes hyperbranching and NPKC actively participates in septum development. NPKC is activated by exogenous DAG and phorbol esters, and translocates to the plasma membrane from the cytoplasm. Moreover, the activity of NPKC was found to be rhythmic. Therefore, NPKC appears to be an important regulator for Neurospora growth and development. |
