Regulation and functions of alternative polyadenylation in fungi

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) has been implicated in regulating transcriptome diversity and gene expression by significantly altering mRNA abundance, stability, localisation, and translation. Understanding the comprehensive landscape of APA can provide valuable insights into the complexity of gene regulation. In this review, we first outline the critical factors and mechanisms for the selection of PAS. Then, we summarise the experimental as well as the bioinformatic technologies for studying APA. In addition, we review and discuss current studies on fungi, aiming to highlight the role of APA in various biological processes, including growth and development, metabolism, responses to stress, and potential contribution towards virulence during host infection. Finally, we propose key questions along with perspectives for future research on APA in fungi. With more in-depth studies like comparative transcriptomic analyses, genome-wide poly(A) site mapping throughout the fungal kingdom, additional signatures and functions of APA will be uncovered, and its diverse roles will gradually come into focus.