Genetics of the Unfolded Protein Response in Fungi

Abstract

Fungi rely on the unfolded protein response (UPR) to rapidly adapt the secretory pathway for efficient nutrient mobilization and communication with and alteration of the abiotic and biotic environment by a virtue of secreted proteins. Changes of protein flux into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) provoke the accumulation of potentially toxic un- or misfolded proteins in the ER lumen, which is countered by activation of the UPR, a conserved eukaryotic signaling pathway providing increased resources for protein folding and processing in the ER. Although based on a common regulatory framework, research in fungi revealed specific adaptations of the UPR to the different fungal lifestyles and ecological niches, providing insights into the virulence processes of fungal pathogens and potential leads for utilizing the UPR in biotechnological applications. This chapter provides an overview on the current state of UPR research in fungi with a focus on fungal virulence, signaling pathway crosstalk and biotechnology.