MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Fungal-fungal cocultivation alters secondary metabolites of marine fungi mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Summary

Researchers discovered that when two types of ocean fungi grow together, one of them produces a protective chemical called alternariol that can kill bacteria and cancer cells. This happens because the fungi recognize each other as competitors and trigger special stress signals that activate defensive chemical production. Interestingly, fungi from the ocean respond differently than those from land, suggesting they have evolved unique survival strategies for harsh marine environments.

Background

Marine fungi produce diverse secondary metabolites with potential bioactivities. Cocultivation is an effective method for inducing secondary metabolite production, but the underlying mechanisms in marine fungi remain poorly understood. This study investigates how fungal-fungal interactions trigger metabolic changes in marine fungi.

Objective

To elucidate the mechanisms by which cocultivation of marine fungi Alternaria alternata and Nigrospora sphaerica induces changes in secondary metabolite production. To determine if marine-derived fungi exhibit different response mechanisms compared to terrestrial strains during cocultivation.

Results

Cocultivation of marine A. alternata Z4 with N. sphaerica Z7 resulted in 4.4-fold increase in alternariol (AOH) production, which did not occur in terrestrial strains. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of biosynthetic gene clusters and the transcription factor aohR in marine strains. ROS accumulation was identified as a key signaling mechanism, with elevated ROS triggering oxidative stress response genes and AOH biosynthesis.

Conclusion

Marine fungi exhibit unique defense mechanisms during cocultivation mediated by ROS signaling. This differential response between marine and terrestrial fungi highlights the importance of environmental adaptation in secondary metabolite regulation and suggests strategies for optimizing marine fungal cocultivation for natural product discovery.
  • Published in:mBio,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1128/mbio.01447-25, PMID: 40823835
Scroll to Top