Mating-Type Genes Play an Important Role in Fruiting Body Development in Morchella sextelata
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 5/25/2022
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Summary
This research reveals how mating-type genes control fruiting body development in morel mushrooms. Scientists found that both mating types need to be present for proper fruiting body formation, and that single mating-type fruiting bodies have smaller, malformed spores. Understanding this genetic mechanism could help improve morel cultivation and breeding programs.
Background
True morels (Morchella spp.) are commercially important edible mushrooms worldwide. Despite successful outdoor cultivation in China, the mechanisms of fruiting body development in morels remain poorly understood. Mating-type genes have been shown to regulate sexual and asexual development in various ascomycete fungi.
Objective
To investigate the role of mating-type genes in fruiting body development of Morchella sextelata. The study aimed to understand how different mating-type strains affect fruiting body morphology, ascus and ascospore development, and gene expression patterns.
Results
Both mat1-1-1 and mat1-2-1 were detected in primordium, pileus, and stipe samples despite single mating-type inoculation, suggesting possible mating-type switching. The MAT1-1 type fruiting bodies showed smaller ascus and ascospore sizes with higher malformation rates compared to MAT1-2 and mixed types. Transcript analysis revealed that mat1-2-1 negatively regulated several ascus development-related genes, and RNA interference confirmed direct regulatory effects.
Conclusion
Mating-type genes play a crucial role in regulating fruiting body development, particularly ascus and ascospore morphogenesis in M. sextelata. The regulatory mechanisms appear conserved across ascomycete fungi. Understanding these genetic mechanisms may facilitate artificial cultivation and strain breeding of morels.
- Published in:Journal of Fungi,
- Study Type:Experimental Research,
- Source: 10.3390/jof8060564, PMID: 35736047