Trichoderma in the light of day – Physiology and development

In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the elucidation of photoresponses and the mechanisms responsible for their induction in species of the genus Trichoderma. Although an influence of light on these fungi had already been reported five decades ago, their response is not limited to photoconidiation. While early studies on the molecular level concentrated on signaling via the secondary messenger cAMP, a more comprehensive scheme is available today. The photoreceptor-orthologs BLR1 and BLR2 are known to mediate almost all known light responses in these fungi and another light-regulatory protein, ENVOY, is suggested to establish the connection between light response and nutrient signaling. As a central regulatory mechanism, this light signaling machinery impacts diverse downstream pathways including vegetative growth, reproduction, carbon and sulfur metabolism, response to oxidative stress and biosynthesis of peptaibols. These responses involve several signaling cascades, for example the heterotrimeric G-protein and MAP-kinase cascades, resulting in an integrated response to environmental conditions.