Regulation of Gene Transcription by Light in Neurospora
Maria Olmedo, Carmen Ruger-Herreros and Luis M. Corrochano
from: Neurospora: Genomics and Molecular Biology (Edited by: Durgadas P. Kasbekar and Kevin McCluskey). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2013)
Abstract
Fungi use light cues to acquire environmental information like day length throughout the year. Neurospora adapts its development and behaviour to the changing conditions of the environment using light as a signal for the regulation of gene transcription. Neurospora perceives light through the blue light photoreceptor WHITE COLLAR-1 (WC-1). WC-1 dimerizes with WC-2 to form the White Collar Complex (WCC) that activates the transcription of target genes by binding to Light Regulated Elements (LRE) in their promoters. The light-dependent accumulation of certain proteins is responsible for light responses. Light activates genes involved in a variety of processes including development of asexual spores and sexual structures, biosynthesis of photo-protective pigments, and entrainment of the circadian clock. However, the activation of gene transcription by light is transient. After extended illumination, the light-induced transcription ceases and further incubation in the dark is required before transcription in response to light is again activated. This feature, photoadaptation, depends on the blue-light photoreceptor VIVID (VVD). This chapter will present the mechanisms of light perception and regulation of gene expression that lead to light responses in Neurospora read more ...
