Local calcium signal transmission in mycelial network exhibits decentralized stress responses

Many fungi live as mycelia, which are networks of hyphae. Mycelial networks are suited for the widespread distribution of nutrients and water. The logistical capabilities are critical for the extension of fungal survival areas, nutrient cycling in ecosystems, mycorrhizal symbioses, and virulence. In addition, signal transduction in mycelial networks is predicted to be vital for mycelial function and robustness. A lot of cell biological studies have elucidated protein and membrane trafficking and signal transduction in fungal hyphae; however, there are no reports visualizing signal transduction in mycelia. This paper, by using the fluorescent Ca2+ biosensor, visualized for the first time how calcium signaling is conducted inside the mycelial network in response to localized stimuli in the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans. The wavy propagation of the calcium signal inside the mycelium or the signal blinking in the hyphae varies depending on the type of stress and proximity to the stress. The signals, however, only extended around 1,500 mu m, suggesting that the mycelium has a localized response. The mycelium showed growth delay only in the stressed areas. Local stress caused arrest and resumption of mycelial growth through reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking. To elucidate the downstream of calcium signaling, calmodulin, and calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, the principal intracellular Ca2+ receptors were immunoprecipitated and their downstream targets were identified by mass spectrometry analyses. Our data provide evidence that the mycelial network, which lacks a brain or nervous system, exhibits decentralized response through locally activated calcium signaling in response to local stress.

Automated summary

This paper visualized for the first time how calcium signaling is conducted inside the mycelial network in response to localized stimuli in the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans. The wavy propagation or blinking of the calcium signal inside the mycelium varies depending on the type and proximity of the stress. The mycelium showed growth delay only in the stressed areas, with reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking playing a role in the arrest and resumption of mycelial growth. These findings provide evidence of a decentralized response through locally activated calcium signaling in the mycelial network lacking a brain or nervous system.