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 language | English |
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Title of host publication | Biotechnology of Fungal Genes |
Publisher | CRC Press |
Pages | 223-243 |
Number of pages | 21 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781466505179 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781578087877 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |