Regulation of Sulfur Metabolism in Mycelial Fungi

Abstract

Sulfur is an essential low-abundance element found in a variety of compounds and macromole-cules (e.g., proteins, lipids, electron carriers, intermediary metabolites) that are required for the growth and function of all cells. The complex regulatory network involved in the control of sulfur metabolism provides a fascinating model for understanding how fungi (and other organisms) adjust to a constantly changing nutrient environment in order to maintain sustaining levels of key elements (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur). In particular, when a nutrient is limiting (such as sulfur), then fungal cells will exhibit responses targeted to specifically alleviate the nutrient deficiency.