The multifaceted physiological roles of fungal laccases

Fungal laccases are multi-copper oxidases widely studied for biotechnological applications such as lignin valorization and bioremediation. However, their physiological roles in fungal biology remain under-explored. This review synthesizes these essential functions, including melanin biosynthesis for virulence, detoxification of plant antimicrobials, regulation of morphological development, and interspecies interactions. Understanding these native roles is critical for elucidating fungal ecology and pathogenesis, developing targeted antifungal strategies, and optimizing industrial laccase production. By integrating biochemical and multi-omics insights, this review establishes a unified framework centered on laccase functionality to bridge knowledge gaps and identify future research priorities in fungal physiology. A review synthesizes the physiological roles of fungal laccases in nutrient acquisition, pigment biosynthesis, pathogenicity, development, defense, and mutualism, reframing them as versatile orchestrators of fungal life history and ecology.