Farnesol‐induced apoptosis in <i>Aspergillus nidulans</i> reveals a possible mechanism for antagonistic interactions between fungi

DOI Web Site Web Site 6 Citations

Description

<jats:title>Summary</jats:title><jats:p>The dimorphic fungus <jats:italic>Candida albicans</jats:italic> secretes farnesol, which acts as a quorum‐sensing molecule and prevents the yeast to mycelium conversion. In this study we examined the effect of farnesol in the filamentous fungus <jats:italic>Aspergillus nidulans</jats:italic>. We show that externally added farnesol has no effect on hyphal morphogenesis; instead, it triggers morphological features characteristic of apoptosis. Additional experiments suggest that mitochondria and reactive oxygen species (ROS) participate in farnesol‐induced apoptosis. Moreover, the effects of farnesol appear to be mediated by the FadA heterotrimeric G protein complex. Because <jats:italic>A. nidulans</jats:italic> does not secrete detectable amounts of farnesol, we propose that it responds to farnesol produced by other fungi. In agreement with this notion, growth and development were impaired in a farnesol‐dependent manner when <jats:italic>A. nidulans</jats:italic> was co‐cultivated with <jats:italic>C. albicans</jats:italic>. Taken together, our data suggest that farnesol, in addition to its quorum‐sensing function that regulates morphogenesis, is also employed by <jats:italic>C. albicans</jats:italic>To reduce competition from other microbes.</jats:p>

Journal

Citations (6)*help

See more

Report a problem

Back to top