Fungal Endophytes: A Potential Source of Novel Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs) Correlating with Specialized Metabolites and Their Use in Plant Disease Management
摘要
Fungal endophytes are microorganisms that colonize internal plant tissues both intercellularly and intracellularly without causing any apparent disease symptoms in their host. These symbionts are known to produce a wide array of secondary metabolites (SMs) during their interaction with the host plant, many of which contribute to enhanced resistance against pathogens. These metabolites are typically low molecular weight bioactive compounds synthesized by biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), which encode the enzymes responsible for constructing structurally diverse molecules. Endophytic fungi are emerging as a promising and sustainable source of biologically active metabolites, with demonstrated potential in areas such as biocontrol, antimicrobial development, and immunosuppression. Recent advances in genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis have facilitated the identification of novel BGCs in these fungi, emphasizing their untapped potential to produce metabolites that can suppress phytopathogens or activate plant defense responses. Moreover, integrative multi-omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics, are increasingly being employed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of these compounds. Such insights position fungal endophytes as valuable candidates for the development of biologically based plant protection strategies. Utilizing these natural systems not only reduces dependency on chemical pesticides but also aligns with the goals of sustainable agriculture by minimizing ecological impact.