Lipid signaling in pathogenic fungi.
Lipid signaling in pathogenic fungi has been studied to determine the role of these pathways in fungal biology and human infections. Owing to their unique nature, they may represent targets for future antifungal treatments. Farnesol signaling was characterized as a quorum-sensing molecule, with exposure inhibiting filamentation. Research has shown involvement in both the Ras1-adenylate cyclase and MAP kinase pathways. In species of Aspergillus, farnesol exposure induces apoptosis-like changes and alterations in ergosterol synthesis. Eicosanoid production has been characterized in several pathogenic fungi, utilizing host lipids in some cases. The role in virulence is not known yet, but it may involve modulation of host lipids. Sphingolipid signaling pathways seem to center around the production of diacylglycerol in the formation of inositol phosphorylceramide. Diacylglycerol activates both melanin production through laccase and transcription of antiphagocytic protein, both of which are involved in virulence.
Rhome
Ryan
R
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. rhome@musc.edu
Del Poeta
Maurizio
M
D015777:Eicosanoids / Q000378:metabolism; D005204:Farnesol / Q000378:metabolism; D005658:Fungi / Q000502:physiology*; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D053038:Quorum Sensing; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013107:Sphingolipids / Q000378:metabolism
D015777:Eicosanoids; D013107:Sphingolipids; D005204:Farnesol