CO2 sensing in fungi and beyond

Carbon dioxide is not only an important gaseous molecule for maintenance of the biosphere homeostasis, but is also a crucial signalling cue in living cells. Fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, must adapt to dramatic changes in CO2 levels during colonization and subsequent infection of their human host. Recent reports provide insight into how pathogenic fungi sense environmental CO2 and the role of carbonic anhydrase and fungal adenylyl cyclase in CO2 sensing.