Cell cycle-dependent expression of chitin synthase genes in Aspergillus nidulans

The transcription of the chitin synthase genes (chss) was cell cycle-regulated in Aspergillus nidulans and the expression pattern was classified into two groups. Group one, containing chsA and chsC, showed decreasing transcription level upon entry into the S-phase and no further variation during the remainder of the cell cycle. However, group two, containing chsB, chsD, and csmA, showed a sharp decrease of mRNA level upon entry into the G2-phase and an increase during the M-phase. Our results suggested that the chss, belonging to same group with the similar expression pattern during the cell cycle are functionally linked and that chsD may play a role in hyphal growth and development in A. nidulans.