Neurons show the path: tip-to-nucleus communication in filamentous fungal development and pathogenesis

• Published in: FEMS microbiology reviews Vol. 40; no. 5; pp. 610 - 624
• Main Authors: Etxebeste, Oier, Espeso, Eduardo A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01.09.2016
• Subjects: Aspergillus nidulans - growth & development; Aspergillus nidulans - metabolism; Cell Polarity - physiology; Hyphae - growth & development; Hyphae - physiology; Mycelium - growth & development; Neurons - cytology; Neurons - physiology; Neurospora crassa - growth & development; Neurospora crassa - metabolism; Saccharomyces cerevisiae - growth & development; Saccharomyces cerevisiae - metabolism; Signal Transduction - physiology; Ustilago - growth & development; Ustilago - metabolism; vegetative hyphae; filamentous fungi; development; signal transduction; neuronal polarization; polar growth
• ISSN: 1574-6976; 1574-6976
• DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuw021

Multiple fungal species penetrate substrates and accomplish host invasion through the fast, permanent and unidirectional extension of filamentous cells known as hyphae. Polar growth of hyphae results, however, in a significant increase in the distance between the polarity site, which also receives the earliest information about ambient conditions, and nuclei, where adaptive responses are executed. Recent studies demonstrate that these long distances are overcome by signal transduction pathways which convey sensory information from the polarity site to nuclei, controlling development and pathogenesis. The present review compares the striking connections of the mechanisms for long-distance communication in hyphae with those from neurons, and discusses the importance of their study in order to understand invasion and dissemination processes of filamentous fungi, and design strategies for developmental control in the future. This comprehensive review compares polarity site-to-nucleus signaling mechanisms of neurons and hyphae, and highlights the importance of long-distance communication in the control of fungal development, stress response and pathogenicity. Graphical Abstract Figure. This comprehensive review compares polarity site-to-nucleus signaling mechanisms of neurons and hyphae, and highlights the importance of long-distance communication in the control of fungal development, stress response and pathogenicity.