Fungi play a structural role in the functioning of ecosystems and their associated microbiomes, shaping biogeochemical, agricultural and health-related processes through networks of interaction. However, their role in these ecological interactions is not well understood, which limits our ability to anticipate risks and harness their potential1.
In this context, fungal biology is at a turning point. Thanks to advances in genetics, genomics and biotechnology, a long-standing knowledge gap is beginning to become tractable. This shift in focus positions fungi as a strategic area of study for science, health and biosecurity, with potential applications including the development of biofuels, the identification of new compounds with preventive and therapeutic properties, and the production of enzymes and functional ingredients.
In addition to the new strategic opportunities associated with fungi, emerging health and food-related risks are also present. In the field of public health, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains highlights the possibility of fungal-origin health crises, which until recently was considered remote2. These risks are not limited to direct human infection but can also be amplified through ecological disruption. In agriculture, fungi pose an increasing threat to major crops worldwide, with the potential to reduce yields by up to 20%, which poses a significant threat to food security.
In response to these risks, technological advances are transforming analytical and response capabilities. Metagenomic approaches provide access to fungal diversity beyond cultivable species and contribute to reconstructing their evolutionary history. Complementary gene-editing tools, such as CRISPR-Cas, enable more precise functional characterisation, while advanced imaging techniques and the development of experimental models improve our understanding of the interactions between fungi and other organisms. When integrated within a One Health approach, these advances expand the range of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic solutions, including the development of new vaccines and innovative classes of antifungal agents.
Consolidating this field of knowledge as a strategic priority requires specific scientific and technical infrastructure, such as biobanks and sample repositories. It also requires effective integration between biology, genomics, data science, artificial intelligence, and computational modelling. Progress is already being made in Spain through research lines developed by the CSIC, the Carlos III Health Institute and various universities, which have made significant contributions to our understanding of fungal diversity, genomic characterisation and biotechnological applications.
The recent evolution of fungal systems, together with current limitations in our knowledge, confirms that fungal biology is no longer a marginal field, but a strategic frontier. Ignoring these developments poses increasing risks to health, food security and ecosystem stability. Addressing these issues, however, opens a window of opportunity with far-reaching implications for resilience, innovation, and the ability to respond to emerging challenges.
Notes:
[1]: It is estimated that there are between 1.5 and 2.8 million species of fungus, of which the genome of only around 25,000 has been sequenced, at least in part.
[2]: The health risks associated with fungi are wide-ranging. For instance, multidrug-resistant strains such as Candida auris, alongside cosmopolitan fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus, have led to a rise in invasive fungal infections. Additionally, species belonging to the Alternaria and Curvularia genera have led to the emergence of 'trans-kingdom' pathogens.
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