Bacterial–fungal interactions: ecology, mechanisms and challenges

Abstract

Fungi and bacteria are found living together in a wide variety of environments. Their interactions are significant drivers of many ecosystem functions and are important for the health of plants and animals. A large number of fungal and bacterial families engage in complex interactions that lead to critical behavioural shifts of the microorganisms ranging from mutualism to antagonism. The importance of bacterial-fungal interactions (BFI) in environmental science, medicine and biotechnology has led to the emergence of a dynamic and multidisciplinary research field that combines highly diverse approaches including molecular biology, genomics, geochemistry, chemical and microbial ecology, biophysics and ecological modelling. In this review, we discuss recent advances that underscore the roles of BFI across relevant habitats and ecosystems. A particular focus is placed on the understanding of BFI within complex microbial communities and in regard of the metaorganism concept. We also discuss recent discoveries that clarify the (molecular) mechanisms involved in bacterial-fungal relationships, and the contribution of new technologies to decipher generic principles of BFI in terms of physical associations and molecular dialogues. Finally, we discuss future directions for research in order to stimulate synergy within the BFI research area and to resolve outstanding questions.

Necrobiome framework for bridging decomposition ecology of autotrophically and heterotrophically derived organic matter

“…Although in the early stages of discovery, it is clear microbes associated with carrion play important roles in regulation of arthropod attraction, colonization, and utilization of the remains. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates within kingdom interactions (e.g., blow fly predator vs. blow fly prey) are partially governed by their associated microbiome in carrion , Weatherbee et al 2017) and other necromass decomposition networks (Purahong et al 2016, Deveau et al 2018. Some compounds serve as a mechanism of communication and group responses, better known as quorum sensing (Nealson and Hastings 1979), while others serve to disrupt communication.…”

Growing edible mushrooms: a conversation between bacteria and fungi

“…The microbiome associated with soil, substrate and casing material in mushroom cultivation Mushrooms are cultivated in microbe-rich soils and substrates where a wide variety of interactions is established among bacteria and fungi ranging from antagonism and competition to mutualism (Deveau et al, 2018). In the following sections, we discuss a range of examples that illustrate how specific bacterial communities are associated with different cultivated species and with specific stages in fungal development ( Fig.…”

Who is eating fructose within the Aedes albopictus gut microbiota?

“…Moreover, this differential enrichment of bacteria and fungi in females and males suggests a putative competitiveness or a synergy between active bacteria and fungi for fructose assimilation. Bacterial–fungal interactions are well documented in plants and rumen as well as in humans in clinical contexts (Frey‐Klett et al ., ; Deveau et al ., ). For example, negative trophic interactions were evidenced in the rumen, where the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae and bacteria compete for glucose (Frey‐Klett et al ., ).…”