Polar Fungi Pseudogymnoascus: Secondary Metabolites and Ecological Significance

Fungi are widely distributed organisms known to produce secondary metabolites and other biochemical compounds. However, fungi from the polar regions with extreme environmental conditions such as low temperatures, high ultra-violet exposure, nutrient scarcity, and dryness are understudied. They produced many secondary metabolites that are yet to be identified, to adapt and survive the extreme conditions. These polar fungi with potential in secondary metabolites are promising in biotechnological applications such as pharmaceutical, textile, and food manufacturing. Pseudogymnoascus is a genus within the Pseudeurotiaceae family that has been reported in the Antarctic regions. This genus plays an important role in the decomposition process in the polar regions. To date, there are 24 species identified within the genus Pseudogymnoascus in the world. The true potential of Pseudogymnoascus, especially those from the polar region, is yet to be explored. This review gives an overview of the polar Pseudogymnoascus spp. Based on their secondary metabolites production and understanding their ecological perspective in the extreme environment.