Germination is the process by which spores emerge from dormancy. Although spores can remain dormant for decades, the study of germination is an active field of research. In this issue of Genes & Development, Gao and colleagues (pp. 31–45) address a perplexing question: How can a dormant spore initiate germination in response to environmental cues? Three distinct complexes are involved: GerA, a germinant-gated ion channel; 5AF/FigP, a second ion channel required for amplification; and SpoVA, a channel for dipicolinic acid (DPA). DPA release is followed by rehydration of the spore core, thus allowing the resumption of metabolic activity.

中文翻译：

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孢子萌发：两个离子通道优于一个


萌发是孢子从休眠中出现的过程。尽管孢子可以保持休眠状态数十年，但萌发研究是一个活跃的研究领域。在本期《基因与发育》中，Gao 及其同事（第 31-45 页）解决了一个令人困惑的问题：休眠孢子如何响应环境提示而启动萌发？涉及三个不同的复合物：GerA，一种萌发门控离子通道； 5AF/FigP，放大所需的第二个离子通道；和 SpoVA，吡啶二羧酸 (DPA) 的通道。 DPA 释放后，孢子核心重新水化，从而恢复代谢活动。