The living light from fungi

• Published in: Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. C, Photochemistry reviews Photochemistry reviews, 2024-03, Vol.58, p.100654, Article 100654
• Main Authors: Stevani, Cassius V., Zamuner, Caio K., Bastos, Erick L., de Nóbrega, Bianca B., Soares, Douglas M.M., Oliveira, Anderson G., Bechara, Etelvino J.H., Shakhova, Ekaterina S., Sarkisyan, Karen S., Yampolsky, Ilia V., Kaskova, Zinaida M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Basidiomycete; Bioluminescence; Caffeic acid cycle; Luciferase; Luciferin; Self-sustained luminescence
• ISSN: 1389-5567; 1873-2739
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2024.100654

More than 125 known species of fungi, all part of the Agaricales order, can spontaneously emit light. This bioluminescence results from the oxidation of a luciferin derived from caffeic acid by oxygen under the action of the enzyme luciferase. The production and regeneration of caffeic acid tie together the Krebs cycle and the Shikimic Acid pathway in both fungi and plants. Therefore, successful genetic manipulation of luciferase has led to the development of bioluminescent reporters and eukaryotic organisms that exhibit self-sustained glow. This review aims to discuss the underlying mechanisms of fungal bioluminescence, with a focus on the biochemical and chemical processes that lead to light emission, along with an elaboration on its extensive biotechnological applications. •The fungal bioluminescence history, from early records to Caffeic Acid Cycle (CAC) proposal, is carefully narrated.•CAC and fungal luciferase action are discussed in unprecedented detail, marking a significant breakthrough.•The luciferin-luciferase reaction's rate-determining step is explored alongside chemiluminescence quantum yields.•Cutting-edge theoretical calculations unravel chemiexcitation and CAC steps, enhanced by rich illustrations.•Biotech applications of fungal bioluminescence for environmental, molecular biology and bioluminescent plants development are discussed.