Fungal morphogenesis and environmental response

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Aspergillus, a mould, is an asexual fungus that impacts humanity for good and ill. Some species are used in biotechnology, but many are also opportunistic human pathogens causing morbid disease. Filamentous fungal cells, called hyphae, are surrounded, supported, and protected by cell walls that enable them to penetrate and explore their surroundings in search of nutrients. Hyphae are tubular and grow only at their tips, where they secrete wall-forming materials. The hyphal wall forms a porous interface between the cell and its environment. Wall composition, structure and function are inter-dependent. As in all fungi, the Aspergillus wall is ~85% carbohydrate, mostly types not found in animals. Wall biosynthesis pathways can be anti-fungal drug targets.