Fungal ADP-ribosylation: an emerging signalling pathway in adaptation and virulence

Abstract

ADP-ribosylation is a posttranslational modification conserved across all domains of life and some viruses. While it is well established as a critical signalling mechanism in humans and is widely exploited as a therapeutic target in cancer, its roles in other kingdoms, particularly Fungi, remain poorly understood. Despite this, recent advances highlight the importance of fungal ADP-ribosylation in the regulation of key cellular maintenance processes such as DNA damage and oxidative stress responses, morphogenesis, growth, and proliferation. Here, we summarise our current understanding of fungal ADP-ribosylation and how it supports stress adaptation and virulence. While many aspects of fungal ADP-ribosylation remain unexplored, emerging discoveries underscore its importance in fungal biology and hint at a great potential for future antifungal therapies.