Host-derived lipids and oxylipins are crucial signals in modulating mycotoxin production by fungi

A major problem ingrain production is the contamination of seed with mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. Among these fungi, Aspergilli commonly associate with oil-rich crops such as corn, peanuts, cotton, and various tree nuts, suggesting an important role for host lipids in the ability of pathogens to produce mycotoxins. Recent genetic and pharmacological studies demonstrated that plant-derived lipids, especially their oxidized products called oxylipins, govern the outcome of the host-fungal pathogen interactions. The emerging picture suggests that host lipids and oxylipins act as signals to modulate fungal developmental processes including sporogenesis and biosynthesis of mycotoxins by mimicking the regulatory action of endogenous fungal oxidized lipids. In this review we discuss recent findings that implicate host seed lipids, and their oxylipin derivatives including hydroperoxides, jasmonates, and C6-volatile compounds in regulating fungal development and mycotoxin biosynthesis.