Is there a Role for Sterols and Steroids in Fungal Growth and Transition from Yeast to Hyphal-Form and Vice Versa? An Overview

Abstract

Ergosterol seems to be not only the best-suited sterol to maintain fungal membrane integrity and activity; there is evidence that this 24-alkylated sterol is also involved in critical non-membrane associated functions. A number of fungal species contain steroid-binding proteins and vertebrate steroid hormones seem to affect fungal morphogenesis. In this article it is speculated that ergosterol may also playa role in the yeast-to-mycelium transformation. The possible role of steroid hormones and endogenous ligands in fungal growth and morphogenesis is also discussed.