Protective role of cells in overwintering fungi

Göttingen researchers find cells involved in sexual development produce chemicals that deter hungry predators Scientists have discovered a new role for cells that are known to nurture the reproductive structures in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans through the winter. The findings suggest that Hülle cells in this fungus also play a key part in its chemical defence strategies to ward off hungry predators. The results were published in the journal eLife . The team studied the proteins behind the production of 'secondary metabolites', which are organic compounds produced by an organism that are not essential for growth, development and reproduction, but may confer other advantages to the organism. The researchers found that these secondary metabolites were concentrated heavily within the fungus' Hülle cells. The production of these defensive chemicals ramps up as the fungus' fruiting structures develop, aided by the Hülle cells. The researchers then showed that a regulator called the 'velvet complex' controls the pathway for the production of these defence chemicals.