Research progress on metabolism and function of fungal oxalic acid

Abstract:

Oxalic acid, a metabolite with important functions, is ubiquitous in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Many fungi have been reported to be able to secrete oxalic acid, including plant pathogenic fungi, edible and medicinal fungi, and industrial fungi. Oxalic acid as a simple dicarboxylic acid is synthesized in fungi mainly through tricarboxylic acid cycle, glyoxylate cycle, and oxaloacetate pathway. Oxalic acid is an important biological factor produced by fungi, which not only affects the growth and development of fungi but also plays a role in fungus-plant interactions through toxin action, acidification of host plant tissue environment, participation in cell wall degradation, and induction of reactive oxygen species production. Therefore, it is essential in the life cycle and infection cycle of fungi. This paper reviews the properties and metabolism of oxalic acid, the oxalic acid-producing fungal species, the role of oxalic acid and oxalic acid-related genes in these species. Furthermore, we put forward the questions to be solved in the related research, aiming to provide scientific references for the utilization of the fungal resources producing oxalic acid and research ideas for the integrated management of plant fungal diseases.