The crucial role of lipid biosynthesis in fungal pathogenesis of rice

Kalaivani Nadarajah

ABSTRACT: Lipid biosynthesis plays a critical role in the pathogenicity and virulence of fungal pathogens affecting rice, particularly in Magnaporthe oryzae, Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium species. Glycerol, a key product of lipid metabolism, is essential for maintaining turgor pressure, which is crucial for processes such as conidiogenesis and host penetration. This review explores the intricate lipid biosynthesis pathways and their associated genes, emphasizing the significance of fatty acid biosynthesis in supporting fungal growth and pathogenicity. Additionally, the differing strategies employed by biotrophic and necrotrophic fungi are examined, highlighting how biotrophic fungi rely on living host tissues for sustenance while necrotrophic fungi actively kill host cells to obtain nutrients. This distinction underscores the varied metabolic adaptations and lipid utilization mechanisms these fungi deploy in their pathogenic lifestyles. Recent insights into the roles of key genes involved in lipid metabolism reveal potential targets for biocontrol strategies and highlight the importance of understanding lipid biosynthesis as a crucial component of fungal virulence in rice pathogens.

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^a	School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia

* Corresponding author, E-mail: vani@ukm.edu.m

Received 18 Nov 2024, Accepted 29 Jan 2025