Redox metabolites signal polymicrobial biofilm development via the NapA oxidative stress cascade in Aspergillus.

Background: Filamentous fungi and bacteria form mixed-species biofilms in nature and diverse clinical contexts. They secrete a wealth of redox-active small molecule secondary metabolites, which are traditionally viewed as toxins that inhibit growth of competing microbes.

Results: Here, we report that these "toxins" can act as interspecies signals, affecting filamentous fungal development via oxidative stress regulation.