Gibberellins in Penicillium strains: Challenges for endophyte-plant host interactions under salinity stress

• Published in: Microbiological research Vol. 183; pp. 8 - 18
• Main Authors: Leitão, Ana Lúcia, Enguita, Francisco J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Elsevier GmbH 01.02.2016
• Subjects: adverse effects; endophytes; Endophytes - genetics; Endophytes - metabolism; Endophytes - physiology; Fungal Proteins - biosynthesis; Fungal Proteins - genetics; Fungal Proteins - metabolism; fungi; Gibberellins; Gibberellins - biosynthesis; Gibberellins - genetics; Gibberellins - metabolism; growth and development; host plants; Penicillium; Penicillium - enzymology; Penicillium - genetics; Penicillium - isolation & purification; Penicillium - metabolism; plant growth; Plant Growth Regulators - metabolism; Plant Growth Regulators - physiology; Plants; Plants - microbiology; Salinity; salt stress; Stress, Physiological - physiology; Symbiosis; Symbiotic interactions; Plants; Penicillium; Gibberellins; Symbiotic interactions; Salinity
• ISSN: 0944-5013; 1618-0623
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2015.11.004

The genus Penicillium is one of the most versatile “mycofactories”, comprising some species able to produce gibberellins, bioactive compounds that can modulate plant growth and development. Although plants have the ability to synthesize gibberellins, their levels are lower when plants are under salinity stress. It has been recognized that detrimental abiotic conditions, such as saline stress, have negative effects on plants, being the availability of bioactive gibberellins a critical factor for their growth under this conditions. This review summarizes the interplay existing between endophytic Penicillium strains and plant host interactions, with focus on bioactive gibberellins production as a fungal response that allows plants to overcome salinity stress.