Opening Pandora’s Box: Neglected Biochemical Potential of Permafrost-Associated Fungal Communities in a Warming Climate

Abstract

Permafrost, a vast storage reservoir of frozen organic matter, is rapidly thawing due to climate change, releasing previously preserved carbon into the environment. This phenomenon has significant consequences for microbial communities, including fungi, inhabiting permafrost-associated regions. In this review, we delve into the intricate interplay between permafrost thawing and fungal diversity and functionality with an emphasis on thermokarst lakes. We explore how the release of organic carbon from thawing permafrost alters the composition and activities of fungal communities, emphasizing the potential for shifts in taxonomic diversity and functional gene expression. We discuss the formation of thermokarst lakes, as an example of permafrost thaw-induced ecological disruptions and their impact on fungal communities. Furthermore, we analyze the repercussions of these changes, including effects on nutrient cycling, plant productivity, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By elucidating the multifaceted relationship between permafrost thaw and aquatic fungi, this review provides valuable insights into the ecological consequences of ongoing climate change in permafrost-affected regions.