Secondary metabolites of Hülle cells mediate protection of fungal reproductive and overwintering structures against fungivorous animals

eLife

Stefanie Pöggeler¹  Daniela E Nordzieke¹  Rebekka Harting²  Jennifer Gerke²  Christoph Sasse²  Benedict Dirnberger²  Oliver Valerius²  Enikő Fekete-Szücs²  Li Liu²  Gerhard H Braus²  Petr Karlovsky³ 

[1] University of Göttingen, Genetics of Eukaryotic Microorganisms and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Göttingen, Germany;University of Göttingen, Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Göttingen, Germany;University of Göttingen, Molecular Phytopathology and Mycotoxin Research, Göttingen, Germany;

关键词: Hülle cells;    sexual development;    secondary metabolites;    xanthones;    emodin;    Aspergillus nidulans;    Verticillium;    Sordaria macrospora;    Folsomia candida;    Trichorhina tomentosa;    Tenebrio molitor;   

DOI  :  10.7554/eLife.68058

来源: eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd

【 摘 要 】

Fungal Hülle cells with nuclear storage and developmental backup functions are reminiscent of multipotent stem cells. In the soil, Hülle cells nurse the overwintering fruiting bodies of Aspergillus nidulans. The genome of A. nidulans harbors genes for the biosynthesis of xanthones. We show that enzymes and metabolites of this biosynthetic pathway accumulate in Hülle cells under the control of the regulatory velvet complex, which coordinates development and secondary metabolism. Deletion strains blocked in the conversion of anthraquinones to xanthones accumulate emodins and are delayed in maturation and growth of fruiting bodies. Emodin represses fruiting body and resting structure formation in other fungi. Xanthones are not required for sexual development but exert antifeedant effects on fungivorous animals such as springtails and woodlice. Our findings reveal a novel role of Hülle cells in establishing secure niches for A. nidulans by accumulating metabolites with antifeedant activity that protect reproductive structures from animal predators.

【 授权许可】

CC BY