Oxidative stress in entomopathogenic fungi grown on insect-like hydrocarbons

Curr Genet. 2015 Aug;61(3):289-97. doi: 10.1007/s00294-014-0452-z. Epub 2014 Oct 2.

Abstract

Entomopathogenic fungi mostly attack their insect hosts by penetration through the cuticle. The outermost insect surface is covered by a lipid-rich layer, usually composed of very long chain hydrocarbons. These fungi are apt to grow on straight chain hydrocarbons (alkanes) as the sole carbon source. Insect-like hydrocarbons are first hydroxylated by a microsomal P450 monooxygenase system, and then fully catabolized by peroxisomal β-oxidation reactions in Beauveria bassiana. In this review, we will discuss lipid metabolism adaptations in alkane-grown fungi, and how an oxidative stress scenario is established under these conditions. Fungi have to pay a high cost for hydrocarbon utilization; high levels of reactive oxygen species are produced and a concomitant antioxidant response is triggered in fungal cells to cope with this drawback.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Fungi / genetics
  • Fungi / growth & development*
  • Fungi / metabolism*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Hydrocarbons / metabolism*
  • Insecta / microbiology*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress*

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Antioxidants
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Hydrocarbons