Localised control of directional growth: a multi-omics approach to understand protein translation at the hyphal tip in filamentous fungi

Filamentous fungi are a group of fungal species capable of very fast growth, named after their ability to grow long cells that resemble filaments. These fungi impact human lives in many different ways, having roles in diseases, food availability, and biotechnology. What makes these organisms grow filaments so quickly?

Ribosomes, the protein-producing machines of the cell, mRNA, the instructions read by the ribosomes, and vesicles, microscopical shuttles, all accumulate at the tip of filamentous fungi. This cluster is named Spitzenkörper, after the German for pointed body. Although it was first observed decades ago the Spitzenkörper remains mostly a mystery.

In this project, we aim to collect data on the mRNA and proteins at the Spitzenkörper. This information will allow us to ask more specific questions about how these molecules function. We will try to visualise specific molecules, which could tell us more about their function.

Together, this information will create a model on how these different components support the growth of fungal filaments.