Spatial and metabolic interactions between bacteria and fungi

Abstract

Microorganisms form diverse communities in virtually every environment on Earth, playing essential roles in ecosystem maintenance, plant growth promotion, nutrient cycling, and pathogen suppression. Among these interactions, bacterial–fungal interactions (BFIs) are particularly important in shaping the composition and function of microbial communities. BFIs encompass a wide range of relationships, from mutualistic and commensal associations to antagonistic interactions, and their significance has been recognized across agriculture, ecology, and medicine. Until now, studies on BFIs have often focused on individual pairings or specific model systems. In contrast, cross-comparative analyses involving phylogenetically diverse bacteria and filamentous fungi remain scarce, and the underlying mechanisms of these interactions are still not fully understood. In this article, we first provide an overview of BFIs, introduce our own research examples, and finally discuss future directions in the field.