[Heterothallism of mucoraceous molds: a review of biological implications and uses in biotechnology].
The phenomenon of heterothallism in filamentous fungi has been reviewed, with emphasis on the discussion of hormonal regulation of heterothallic strains of mucoraceous molds. This process is viewed from the viewpoint of current understanding that fungal cells communicate with each other using a special "language", i.e., signaling chemicals (hormones, or pheromones). Physiological and biochemical criteria of distinguishing heterosexual strains, which make it possible to draw analogies with higher eukaryotes, are set forth for the first time, based on experimental data obtained with Blakeslea trispora. The synthetic pathway to trisporic acids (a zygogenic sex hormone of Mucorales), their relation to carotenoids, and biological functions are described. The similarity (both structural and functional) between fungal, plant, and animal hormones is another topic dealt with. Current understanding of the role of terpenoids in the evolution of sexual communication and transduction is presented, with an excursion into microbial endocrinology, a novel field of research in biology. The concluding part of the review analyzes data on the biotechnological implications of the phenomenon of heterothallism. Specifically, it may be used for obtaining a series of isoprenoid compounds, such as beta-carotene and licopin (which exhibit pronounced antioxidant activity), as well as sterols and trisporic acids.
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D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D009090:Mucorales / Q000502:physiology*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D013261:Sterols / Q000096:biosynthesis; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000096:biosynthesis
D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D006728:Hormones; D013261:Sterols; D019207:beta Carotene; C004574:trisporic acid