Hyphal branching in filamentous fungi

• Published in: Developmental biology Vol. 451; no. 1; pp. 35 - 39
• Main Author: Harris, Steven D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.07.2019
• Subjects: branching; fungi; Fungi - physiology; hyphae; Hyphae - physiology; mycelium
• ISSN: 0012-1606; 1095-564X; 1095-564X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.02.012

In filamentous fungi, the formation of hyphal branches is a critical process that supports the ability of mycelia to radiate across and colonize growth substrates. Branching can occur at hyphal tips (apical branching) or from subapical hyphal compartments (lateral branching). The primary focus of this review is on lateral branching. Current understanding of the physiological and molecular mechanisms that underlie the formation of lateral branches is summarized. This includes emphasis on the spatial regulation of branch formation as well as the roles of the morphogenetic machinery in branch emergence. An improved understanding of hyphal branching will provide greater insight into the morphological differentiation of fungal mycelia. •Filamentous fungi display two patterns of branching; apical and lateral.•Branching is coordinated with growth and is subject to spatial regulation.•Septins and microfilaments appear to play a key role in branch formation.•External signals such as plant hormones can in some cases trigger branch formation.