The role of lipids in the morphogenetic processes of mycelial fungi

This review considers the role of different classes of lipids in fungal morphogenesis and, in particular, their capacity to induce dimorphic growth (the ability of fungi to grow in a mycelial or yeastlike form), which is induced by various factors and results in changes in the biosynthetic and energy processes, as well as in structural and morphological changes. The review includes a brief description of the properties of lipids and their functions in the cell and discusses the specific characteristics of lipid metabolism associated with morphogenesis and dimorphism. The differences in lipid compositions between yeastlike cells and mycelium; the role of the structural and regulatory lipids, fatty acids, and their derivatives in morphological transformation of fungi; and the involvement of lipids in signal transduction and host-pathogen interactions are discussed.