Recent Advances in Fungal Aquaporins: Diversity, Function and Structure

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaporin proteins are transmembrane channel-forming proteins belonging to the major intrinsic protein (MIP) superfamily. They are widely distributed from Archaea to animals, including plants and fungi. The diversity, evolution, structure, function and regulation of plant and animal aquaporins (MIPs) are the subjects of intensive and fascinating research. In contrast, fungal MIPs are still very poorly studied. Fungal MIPs have been classified into three groups: orthodox aquaporins (AQPs), aquaglyceroporins (AQGPs) and X-intrinsic proteins (XIPs); however, to date only a few fungal MIPs have been functionally and structurally characterized.

The remarkable fungal diversity recorded in the biosphere echoes the innumerable functions fungi are capable of performing within a multitude of ecosystems, whether as beneficial, symbiotic or parasitic species. In this respect, the mining of fungal genome databases reveals the existence of a great diversity of putative MIPs. More research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of MIP action of fungi in interactions with Prokaryotes or Eukaryotes (fungi, plants and animals). In addition, fungal MIPs may be interesting targets for the development of antifungal drugs (e.g., to combat fungal diseases) or for potentiating interactions between beneficial candidates (an essential fraction of microbiotic communities) with their hosts. Therefore, the studies that report recent progress achieved in fungal aquaporins will be considered an essential contribution and will be included in this Special Issue.

Dr. Jean Stéphane Venisse
Guest Editor

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