Research interest

The lab is interested in the molecular basis and cellular role of cytoskeleton-based dynamics. We make use of the fungal model system U. maydis. This pathogenic basidiomycete switches between a yeast-like and hyphal stage (Figure 1) and is able to infect maize plants (see model system). It combines technical advantages (molecular genetics, published genome, excellent live cell imaging) with biological similarities to animal cells on both genomic and functional levels. This enables us to address important cellular processes relevant for higher eukaryotes that cannot be addressed in other fungal model organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Schizosaccaromyces pombe. Moreover, U. maydis is an important plant pathogen that causes smut disease on corn. Thus, our work aims to answer fundamental cell biology questions, but also provides important insights into the basis of fungal plant pathogenicity.

During recent years we have focussed our work on 5 research topics that are partially overlapping.

Research Topic A - Microtubule organisation and interphase function

Microtubules serve as tracks for intracellular motility. This topic focuses on the mechanism by which the interphase microtubule array gets organized. Furthermore, some work addresses the role of the cytoskeleton, and in particular of the prominent microtubule array. More information

Research Topic B - Molecular motors in hyphal growth and pathogenicity of U. maydis

We have identified and cloned most motors in U. maydis. This research topic addresses their function and role in fungal growth and pathogenicity. More information

Research Topic C - Endocytosis and early endosome motility

We discovered that hyphal growth and pathogenicity of U. maydis requires endocytosis, which involves rapidly moving early endosomes. Their biological function, as well as the molecular basis of early endosome motility is the focus of this research area. More information

Research Topic D - Open fungal mitosis

The removal of the nuclear envelope in mitosis is characteristic for mammalian cells, whereas fungi are thought to form the mitotic spindle within the closed nuclear envelope. However, U. maydis removes the envelope in mitosis and this research topic addresses the mechanism and dynamics of this 'open fungal mitosis'. More information

Research Topic E - U. maydis, a model for cell biology

This is a new project that aims to make use of U. maydis to address the function of conserved hypothetical proteins that are not present in other fungal model systems. More information

Dimorphism of Ustilago maydis

Figure 1: Dimorphism of Ustilago maydis. Yeast-like cells and hyphae contain a prominent microtubule array (green). Laboratory strains contain single nuclei, whereas infective hyphae in nature are dikaryotic (image modified from Steinberg and Perez-Martin, 2008, Trends Cell Biol. 18:61).