Endophytic fungi: Benefits for plants and biotechnological potential

Abstract

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that live inside plants, establishing a mutualistic relationship, where both benefit from this interaction. They require protection and nutrients from host plants, and in return fungi can contribute to host's growth and nutrient uptake. In addition, they can improve plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses and increase plant resistance to insects and pests. Endophytic fungi produce bioactive compounds similar to those of the host plant. The economic exploitation of these bioactive compounds is much promising. These bioactive products are related to sustainable production systems and to the development of new substances with strong pharmacological properties such as antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiparasitic, antidiabetic and immunosuppressant, including response to resistant microorganisms. This study is a descriptive review, having as aim to approach the main benefits of endophytic fungi for host plants, as well as the biotechnological application of the bioactive compounds produced by them. The prospection of endophytic in extreme environment could result in discovery of new bioactive compounds with surprising potential for biotechnology area. So, the development of new research frontiers in this issue is indispensable for the sustainable exploitation of the great benefits that these microorganisms could provide to the science.

Effect of Rosemary Endophytic Fungal Extract on Microhardness of Enamel and Its Inhibitory Effect on Glucosyltransferase Enzyme of Streptococcus mutans- An In Vitro Study

“…Furthermore, endophytic fungal extract of rosemary obtained from the species Chaetomium globosum managed to inhibit glucosyltransferase enzyme, production of glucan and subsequent biofilm production of Streptococcus mutans which was in agreement with [61,68,69] who studied the ability of endophytic fungal extracts of several plants and reported the ability of these extracts to inhibit the targeted enzyme. This can be attributed to the ability of endophytic fungi to produce the same phytochemicals and active compounds produced by their host plants as explained by [70][71][72][73][74][75][76] . They explained that production of bioactive components from endophytic fungi of medicinal plants is considered an easier, costeffective alternative method for mass production of bioactive compounds that avoids over harvesting and endangering of medicinal plants.…”

Endophytic fungi hosted anti-diabetic medicinal plants as a source of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase inhibitors

“…The concept of balanced antagonism implies that endophytes proactively prevent the activation of host defenses Inactivated by host toxic metabolites. This allows endophytes to grow invisibly within the host (Silva et al 2022). Further research at the molecular level in this area is needed to better understand host-endophyte interactions (Tan & Zou 2001).…”

Screening of Antibacterial Activity of Some Resupinate Fungi, Reveal Gloeocystidiellum lojanense sp. nov. (Russulales) against E. coli from Ecuador

“…Resupinated fungi exhibit diverse basidiomata forms (e.g., corticoid, trechisporoid, jaapiaid, poliporoid, russuloid, Heimenoquetide, and Cantharelloides) [ 40 ] and fulfill ecological roles, such as saprotrophs (decomposing organic matter) [ 41 , 42 ], symbionts (forming mycorrhizae) [ 31 , 43 ], or parasites of insects or plants [ 44 ]. The integration of molecular, morphological [ 32 ], and biochemical [ 35 ] characterization has allowed the discovery of new species with different biotechnological potentials [ 45 ].…”