Fungal metacaspases: An overview

Anthonia O’Donovan, Finola E. Cliffe, Mary C. Shier

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Understanding the role of metacaspases in programmed cell death pathways of fungi may offer a chance of exploiting the fungal molecular death machinery to control fungal infections. The marked differences between the cell death pathways of pathogens and their hosts make this a very attractive venture that poses many advantages. This chapter reviews fungal metacaspases in light of their metazoan counterpart; the caspases. The apoptotic process is considered with a focus on fungal apoptosis. Furthermore, the roles, elucidated to date, of metacaspases in programmed cell death is discussed and the possible applications of fungal metacaspases are proposed with supporting evidence from ongoing scientific studies. Finally, whilst considering all factors highlighted in the chapter, the biotechnological applications of fungal metacaspases including therapeutic agents against human pathogens and antifungal agents in biocontrol processes are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBiotechnology of Fungal Genes
PublisherCRC Press
Pages223-243
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)9781466505179
ISBN (Print)9781578087877
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2012
Externally publishedYes

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