Deep-sea ecosystems, characterized by extreme conditions such as high hydrostatic pressure, low temperatures, and oligotrophy, host phylogenetically and functionally diverse microbial communities. Among these, deep-sea fungi represent a critical but underexplored group whose survival strategies and adaptive mechanisms are emerging as a key research area. This review highlights recent advances in understanding how fungi adapt to deep-sea environments, focusing on strategies for managing three primary stressors: hypoxia, high pressure, and low temperature. These unique adaptations not only expand our understanding of the limits of life in extreme habitats but also offer valuable microbial resources for biotechnological innovation.
Leng et al. (Sat,) studied this question.