A mechanistic model for nuclear migration in hyphae during mitosis

Abstract

S. Cerevisiae and C. Albicans, the two well-known human pathogens, can be found in all three morphologies, i.e., yeast, pseudo-hyphae and true-hyphae. The cylindrical daughter-bud (germ tube) grows very long for true-hyphae, and the cell cycle is delayed compared to the other two morphologies. The place of the nuclear division is specific for true-hyphae determined by the position of the septin ring. However, the septin ring can localize anywhere inside the germ tube, unlike the mother-bud junction in budding yeast. Since the nucleus often migrates a long path in the hyphae, the underlying mechanism must be robust for executing mitosis in a timely manner. We explore the mechanism of nuclear migration through hyphae in light of mechanical interactions between astral microtubules and the cell cortex. We report that proper migration through constricted hyphae requires a large dynein pull applied on the astral microtubules from the hyphal cortex. This is achieved when the microtubules frequently slide along the hyphal cortex so that a large population of dyneins actively participate, pulling on them. Simulation shows timely migration when the dyneins from the mother cortex do not participate in pulling on the microtubules. These findings are robust for long migration and positioning of the nucleus in the germ tube at the septin ring.