Woronin body

File:The translocation of protoplasm in Sordaria fimicola - pgen.1000521.s011.ogv Woronin body is a specialized organelle found in the hyphae of most species within the phylum Ascomycota, a major group of fungi. Named after the Russian botanist Mikhail Woronin who first described them in the 19th century, Woronin bodies are primarily involved in the repair and maintenance of hyphal integrity. They are particularly notable for their role in plugging septal pores in response to cellular damage, thereby preventing the loss of cytoplasm and ensuring the survival of the fungal organism.

Structure and Function

Woronin bodies are dense, membrane-bound hexagonal crystals composed of a protein called HEX1. Their size and shape can vary among different species of Ascomycota. These organelles are located close to the septal pore, the channel that connects adjacent cells within the hyphae. In the event of hyphal damage or cell death, Woronin bodies move to the septal pore and plug it, effectively isolating the damaged section and preserving the integrity and contents of the unaffected parts of the hypha.

The mechanism by which Woronin bodies are able to plug septal pores is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the interaction of HEX1 protein molecules, which can self-assemble into a larger complex. This self-assembly is critical for the formation of the Woronin body and its function as a cellular sealant.

Biological Significance

The ability to rapidly seal off damaged or dying sections of hyphae is crucial for the survival of filamentous fungi, especially those inhabiting environments where physical damage from external forces is common. By preventing the loss of cytoplasm and maintaining internal pressure, Woronin bodies play a key role in fungal growth and development. They also contribute to the pathogenicity of certain fungal species by enabling the fungus to survive and spread within the host organism.

Research and Applications

Research into Woronin bodies has provided insights into the cellular mechanisms of damage response in fungi and has potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. Understanding how Woronin bodies function could lead to new strategies for controlling fungal infections in plants and animals, including humans. Additionally, the self-assembling properties of the HEX1 protein have attracted interest for the development of novel biomaterials.

See Also

• Fungi
• Ascomycota
• Hyphae
• Organelle
• Cellular differentiation in fungi