Mutations in the heavy chain of cytoplasmic dynein suppress the nudF nuclear migration mutation of Aspergillus nidulans

To identify proteins that interact directly or indirectly with the NUDF protein, which is required for nuclear migration in Aspergillus nidulans, we initiated a screen for extragenic suppressors of the heat-sensitive nudF6 mutation. Suppressor mutations in at least five genes, designated snfA–snfE, caused improved growth and nuclear migration at high temperatures compared to the nudF6 parent. Two snfC mutations mapped near the nudA gene, which encodes the cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain, and could be repaired by transformation with wild-type nudA DNA, demonstrating that they are mutations in nudA. The snfC mutations are bypass suppressors of nudF and genetic evidence indicated that NUDA and NUDF act in the same nuclear migration pathway. Taken together, our data suggests that NUDF affects nuclear migration by acting on the dynein motor system.