Endophytic fungi: hidden treasure chest of antimicrobial metabolites interrelationship of endophytes and metabolites

Abstract

Endophytic fungi comprise host-associated fungal communities which thrive within the tissues of host plants and produce a diverse range of secondary metabolites with various bioactive attributes. The metabolites such as phenols, polyketides, saponins, alkaloids help to mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses, fight against pathogen attacks and enhance the plant immune system. We present an overview of the association of endophytic fungal communities with a plant host and discuss molecular mechanisms induced during their symbiotic interaction. The overview focuses on the secondary metabolites (especially those of terpenoid nature) secreted by endophytic fungi and their respective function. The recent advancement in multi-omics approaches paved the way for identification of these metabolites and their characterization via comparative analysis of extensive omics datasets. This study also elaborates on the role of diverse endophytic fungi associated with key agricultural crops and hence important for sustainability of agriculture.

Activation of Ustilaginoidin Biosynthesis Gene uvpks1 in Villosiclava virens Albino Strain LN02 Influences Development, Stress Responses, and Inhibition of Rice Seed Germination

“…The capacity of fungi to respond to stresses influences their development and virulence, as well as their adaptation to environmental stresses. Fungal secondary metabolites may play crucial roles in controlling morphological differentiation, environmental fitness, and interactions with other organisms [18,[35][36][37][38][39][40].…”

Fungal Endophytes as Mitigators against Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Crop Plants

“…Vertical transmission describes the fungal endophyte transfer from the maternal plant to its progeny through the penetration of the fungal hyphae into the host seed embryo. These vertically transmitted endophytes frequently contribute to a mutualistic relationship with their host plants and may benefit them by increasing their disease resistance, improving their nutrient uptake, and tolerating environmental stresses [9,10]. During horizontal transmission, fungal endophytes can spread from one plant to another, usually through the sexual spores produced on the fungal stroma [23].…”

“…Endophytes are fascinating microbes that inhabit plant tissues without harming or causing disease symptoms to their host plants [8]. These organisms are crucial for maintaining plant health, and they contribute to ecosystem functioning by establishing a beneficial/symbiotic association with their host during the partial or entire life cycle [9,10]. Endophytes are variably distributed based on the species of host plants and the environments in which the plants thrive.…”

Antimicrobial Action Mechanisms of Natural Compounds Isolated from Endophytic Microorganisms

“…They constitute the plant endosphere (which includes the endorhizosphere and endophyllosphere) and are an integral part of the plant microbiome along with the phyllosphere and rhizosphere. These microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and archaea [ 17 ], have long since attracted the attention of biologists and pharmacologists because of their diverse bioactivities and potential pharmacological applications [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Many natural compounds obtained from endophytes exhibit robust antimicrobial and anticancer properties [ 21 ].…”