Secondary metabolites of Hulle cells mediate protection of fungal reproductive and overwintering structures against fungivorous animals

Fungal Hulle cells with nuclear storage and developmental backup functions are reminiscent of multipotent stem cells. In the soil, Hulle cells nurse the overwintering fruiting bodies of Aspergillus nidulans. The genome of A. nidulans harbors genes for the biosynthesis of xanthones. We show that enzymes and metabolites of this biosynthetic pathway accumulate in Hulle cells under the control of the regulatory velvet complex, which coordinates development and secondary metabolism. Deletion strains blocked in the conversion of anthraquinones to xanthones accumulate emodins and are delayed in maturation and growth of fruiting bodies. Emodin represses fruiting body and resting structure formation in other fungi. Xanthones are not required for sexual development but exert antifeedant effects on fungivorous animals such as springtails and woodlice. Our findings reveal a novel role of Hulle cells in establishing secure niches for A. nidulans by accumulating metabolites with antifeedant activity that protect reproductive structures from animal predators.

Automated summary

The study shows that fungal Hulle cells play a crucial role in regulating development and secondary metabolism of Aspergillus nidulans, accumulating metabolites with antifeedant activity to protect reproductive structures from animal predators.