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Fruiting Body Heterogeneity, Dimorphism and Haustorium-like Structure of Naematelia aurantialba (Jin Er Mushroom)

Summary

Jin Er mushroom, a popular health food in Asia, is actually made up of two different types of fungi growing together. This study discovered that Jin Er can change its form depending on temperature and nutrients, switching between yeast-like and filament-like structures. The research also found special hook-like structures that may help the two fungi interact with each other, which could help improve how Jin Er mushrooms are grown commercially.

Background

Naematelia aurantialba, commonly known as Jin Er or brain mushroom, is a gelatinous jelly fungus widely used as a medicinal product and tonic food in Asia. Its fruiting bodies are known for containing beneficial polysaccharides with potential health properties, but wild resources are scarce and cultivation depends on the presence of another fungus.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the composition and morphological characteristics of Jin Er basidiocarps, particularly their relationship with Stereum hirsutum, and to document the dimorphic transitions and haustorium-like structures of Naematelia aurantialba in detail.

Results

Jin Er basidiocarps were confirmed to be composed of two fungal species: Naematelia aurantialba and Stereum hirsutum. Basidiospores exhibited two reproductive strategies: germination into hyphae or budding into yeast-like conidia. Yeast-like conidia demonstrated dimorphism, transitioning to pseudohyphae at 28°C or filamentous forms on induction medium. Haustorium-like structures with basal clamp connections were abundantly observed in both hymenium and aerial mycelia.

Conclusion

The heterogeneous composition of Jin Er fruiting bodies and the dimorphic nature of Naematelia aurantialba represent novel findings that provide insights into the complex interaction between these two fungi, with implications for improving cultivation techniques and understanding ecological relationships.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: PMID: 39194883, DOI: 10.3390/jof10080557
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