Cyclo(Pro-Tyr) elicits conserved cellular damage in fungi by targeting the [H+]ATPase Pma1 in plasma membrane domains

Bioactive metabolites play a crucial role in shaping interactions among diverse organisms. In this study, we identified cyclo(Pro-Tyr), a metabolite produced by Bacillus velezensis, as a potent inhibitor of Botrytis cinerea and Caenorhabditis elegans, two potential cohabitant eukaryotic organisms. Based on our investigation, cyclo(Pro-Tyr) disrupts plasma membrane polarization, induces oxidative stress and increases membrane fluidity, which compromises fungal membrane integrity. These cytological and physiological changes induced by cyclo(Pro-Tyr) may be triggered by the destabilization of membrane microdomains containing the [H+]ATPase Pma1. In response to cyclo(Pro-Tyr) stress, fungal cells activate a transcriptomic and metabolomic response, which primarily involves lipid metabolism and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) detoxification, to mitigate membrane damage. This similar response occurs in the nematode C. elegans, indicating that cyclo(Pro-Tyr) targets eukaryotic cellular membranes. Cyclo(Pro-Tyr), a metabolite from Bacillus velezensis, inhibits Botrytis cinerea and Caenorhabditis elegans by disrupting membrane polarization, inducing oxidative stress, and increasing membrane fluidity. These effects trigger lipid metabolism and ROS detoxification, targeting eukaryotic membranes.