Surfactin Induces Proteomic Reprogramming and Cell Membrane Damage in Fusarium graminearum

AIMS: To investigate the antifungal activity of surfactin against Fusarium graminearum and to elucidate its underlying mechanism of action through comparative proteomic analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Antifungal effects of surfactin on F. graminearum were evaluated by assessing hyphal growth inhibition, fungal biomass reduction, and membrane integrity disruption. Surfactin treatment markedly suppressed hyphal development and significantly decreased fungal biomass. In addition, membrane integrity assays demonstrated substantial damage to the fungal cell membrane following exposure to surfactin. Comparative proteomic analysis further revealed pronounced alterations in the intracellular protein expression profile of F. graminearum, indicating that surfactin induces extensive proteomic reprogramming associated with antifungal stress responses. CONCLUSIONS: Surfactin exhibits potent antifungal activity against F. graminearum by impairing fungal growth and disrupting cell membrane integrity. Proteomic findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying surfactin-mediated antifungal action and identify potential protein targets for future studies aimed at developing effective strategies for controlling Fusarium head blight.