Functions, Cooperation, and Interplays of the Vegetative Growth Signaling Pathway in the Aspergilli

Abstract

Knowledge on the functions, cooperation, and interplays of the signaling and regulatory pathways of filamentous fungi is crucial when their industrial performance is improved or when new-type antifungals are developed. Many research groups aim at a deeper understanding of vegetative growth signaling because this cascade also influences other important physiological processes including asexual and sexual developments, autolysis and apoptotic cell death as well as the production of a wide array of important secondary metabolites. This review also focuses on how this signaling pathway is interconnected with other signaling cascades setting up a robust but delicately regulated signaling network in the Aspergilli.