WHI-2 Regulates Intercellular Communication via a MAP Kinase Signaling Complex.

The formation of the fungal mycelial network is facilitated by somatic cell fusion of germinating asexual spores (or germlings). germlings in close proximity display chemotropic growth that is dependent upon an intracellular network of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades. Approximately 80 genes involved in intercellular communication and fusion have been identified, including three mutants with similar morphological phenotypes: Δ, Δ, and Δ.