November 2023

Journal

Lipo-chitooligosaccharides as regulatory signals of fungal growth and development

By:
Rush, Tomas A; Puech-Pages, Virginie; Bascaules, Adeline; Jargeat, Patricia; Maillet, Fabienne; Haouy, Alexandra; Maës, Arthur; Carriel, Cristobal; Khokhani, Devanshi; Keller-Pearson, Michelle; Tannous, Joanna ; Cope, Kevin; Garcia, Kevin; Maeda, Junko; Johnson, Chad; Kleven, bailey; Choudhury, Quanita J; Labbe, Jesse L; Swift, candice; OMalley, Michelle; Bok, jin; Cottaz, Sylvain; Fort, Sebastien; poinsot, verena; Sussman, Michael; Lefort, corinne; Nett, Jeniel; Keller, Nancy P; Becard, Guillaume; Ane, Jean-Michel
Journal Name:
Nature Communications
Page Number:
3897
Volume:
11
Issue Number:
1
Publication Date:
November 9, 2023
View DOI Listing:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17615-5

Abstract

Lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs) are signaling molecules produced by rhizobial bacteria that trigger the nodulation process in legumes, and by some fungi that also establish symbiotic relationships with plants, notably the arbuscular and ecto mycorrhizal fungi. Here, we show that many other fungi also produce LCOs. We tested 59 species representing most fungal phyla, and found that 53 species produce LCOs that can be detected by functional assays and/or by mass spectroscopy. LCO treatment affects spore germination, branching of hyphae, pseudohyphal growth, and transcription in non-symbiotic fungi from the Ascomycete and Basidiomycete phyla. Our findings suggest that LCO production is common among fungi, and LCOs may function as signals regulating fungal growth and development.