The versatility of peroxisome function in filamentous fungi

Abstract

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous and versatile cell organelles. They consist of a single membrane that encloses a proteinaceous matrix. Conserved functions are fatty acid “-oxidation and hydrogen peroxide metabolism. In filamentous fungi, many other metabolic functions have been identified. Also, they contain highly specialized peroxisome-derived structures termed Woronin bodies, which have a structural function in plugging septal pores in order to prevent cytoplasmic bleeding of damaged hyphae. In filamentous fungi peroxisomes play key roles in the production of a range of secondary metabolites such as antibiotics. Most likely the atlas of fungal peroxisomal metabolic pathways is still far from complete. Relative recently discovered functions include their role in biotin biosynthesis as well as in the production of several toxins, among which polyketides. Finally, in filamentous fungi peroxisomes are important for development and pathogenesis. In this contribution we present an overview of our current knowledge on fungal peroxisome formation as well as on their functional diversity.