Three-dimensional visualization of mitochondria in conidia of Pyricularia oryzae using green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused with citrate synthase (CitA)

Abstract

The mitochondrion is the target organelle for QoI (quinone outside inhibitor) antifungal drugs, but mitochondrial behavior in Pyricularia oryzae remains unclear.Conidial mitochondria in fungal isolate transformed with citrate synthase (CitA)-GFP fusion gene, were observed in situ using laser-scanning confocal microscopy and computer analysis. By harvesting at 36 h after eliminating the aerial mycelia, conidia with 1, 2, or 3 cells were observed. The 3D visualization of mitochondria in these conidia showed that mitochondria were initially shaped like dots and developed into a network as the conidia aged.