Biosynthesis of galactomannans found in filamentous fungi belonging to Pezizomycotina

Abstract

The galactomannans (GMs) that are produced by filamentous fungi belonging to Pezizomycotina, many of which are pathogenic for animals and plants, are polysaccharides consisting of α-(1→2)-/α-(1→6)-mannosyl and β-(1→5)-/β-(1→6)-galactofuranosyl residues. GMs are located at the outermost layer of the cell wall. When a pathogenic fungus infects a host, its cell surface must be in contact with the host. The GMs on the cell surface may be involved in the infection mechanism of a pathogenic fungus or the defense mechanism of a host. There are two types of GMs in filamentous fungi, fungal-type galactomannans and O-mannose type galactomannans. Recent biochemical and genetic advances have facilitated a better understanding of the biosynthesis of both types. This review summarizes our current information on their biosynthesis.