The role of Npt1 in regulating antifungal protein activity in filamentous fungi

Yu Wang, Sen Wang, Yuanyuan Chen, Chunlan Xie, Haibo Xu, Yunhua Lin, Ranxun Lin, Wanlin Zeng, Xuan Chen, Xinyi Nie and Shihua Wang ()
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Yu Wang: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Sen Wang: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Yuanyuan Chen: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Chunlan Xie: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Haibo Xu: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Yunhua Lin: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Ranxun Lin: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Wanlin Zeng: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Xuan Chen: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Xinyi Nie: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Shihua Wang: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: Abstract Pathogenic filamentous fungi pose a significant threat to global food security and human health. The limitations of available antifungal agents, including resistance and toxicity, highlight the need for developing innovative antifungal strategies. Antifungal proteins (AFPs) are a class of secreted small proteins that exhibit potent antifungal activity against filamentous fungi, yet the underlying mechanism remains partially understood. In this study, we investigate the molecular and cellular effects of two AFPs, PgAFP and AfAFP, on Aspergillus flavus, a representative filamentous fungus. These AFPs affect various fungal phenotypes and exert an intracellular effect by interacting with Ntp1, a fungi exclusive protein modulating diverse fungal traits. We find that Ntp1 amino acids 417–588 are critical for AFP binding and play a role in regulating growth, development, sporulation, sclerotia formation, toxin synthesis, and pathogenicity. Results generated from this study will help to control pathogenic fungi.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58230-6

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