University of Göttingen, Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Göttingen, Germany.
University of Göttingen, Genetics of Eukaryotic Microorganisms and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Göttingen, Germany.
Elife. 2021 Oct 12;10:e68058. doi: 10.7554/eLife.68058.
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 . The genome of 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 by accumulating metabolites with antifeedant activity that protect reproductive structures from animal predators.
具有核储存和发育后备功能的真菌荚膜细胞让人联想到多能干细胞。在土壤中，荚膜细胞护理着越冬的子实体。的基因组中含有黄烷酮生物合成的基因。我们表明，该生物合成途径的酶和代谢物在调控 velvet 复合物的控制下在荚膜细胞中积累，该复合物协调发育和次生代谢。在将蒽醌转化为黄烷酮的过程中被阻断的缺失菌株积累大黄素，并在子实体的成熟和生长中延迟。大黄素抑制其他真菌的子实体和休眠结构的形成。黄烷酮不是有性发育所必需的，但对食真菌的动物如跳虫和木虱具有抗食作用。我们的发现揭示了荚膜细胞在通过积累具有抗食作用的代谢物为建立安全小生境中的新作用，这些代谢物可以保护生殖结构免受动物捕食者的侵害。
