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Genetic Structure and Evolutionary Diversity of Mating-Type (MAT) Loci in Hypsizygus marmoreus

Summary

This research investigated how mushrooms control their mating and reproduction at the genetic level, specifically studying the edible mushroom Hypsizygus marmoreus. The study revealed the complex genetic systems that allow mushrooms to find compatible mating partners and reproduce successfully. This understanding has important implications for mushroom cultivation and breeding. Impacts on everyday life: • Improved breeding techniques for edible mushroom production • Better understanding of how to optimize mushroom crop yields • Enhanced ability to develop new mushroom varieties with desired traits • More efficient commercial mushroom cultivation methods • Potential applications for other commercially important mushroom species

Background

Sexual reproduction in Basidiomycetes is regulated by mating-type genes that control the establishment of heterokaryotic mycelia and subsequent formation of fruiting bodies. In the phylum Basidiomycota, sexual reproduction is often dictated by two sets of specific independent mating-type genes. The tetrapolar system comprises two unlinked mating-type loci – the homeodomain (HD) transcription factor genes and pheromone/pheromone receptor genes (P/R), which control different stages of the sexual cycle.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the genetic structure and diversity of MAT loci in the tetrapolar system of Hypsizygus marmoreus through sequencing of 54 heterokaryon and 8 homokaryon strains. The goals were to: 1) identify the genetic structure and explore diversity of the mating type loci, 2) understand the evolution of the mating type loci in fungi, and 3) provide clues for compatible mating patterns.

Results

The study found that within the HD loci, while gene order was conserved, gene contents were variable. The HD loci haplotypes were classified into four types that were heritable and tightly linked. The P/R loci contained three pheromone receptors, three pheromones, and two pheromone receptor-like genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that STE3 genes diverged before speciation. The diversity of HD and P/R loci in Agaricales and Boletales may contribute to mating compatibility. Expression levels of HD and P/R loci genes were higher in compatible strains compared to homonuclear strains.

Conclusion

The study provided insights into the genomic basis of mating compatibility in H. marmoreus by revealing the structure and diversity of MAT loci. The findings showed that gene rearrangements are common in Agaricales fungi around HD loci, and that both HD and P/R loci act as switches for mating processes. The research demonstrated different mechanisms for evolution of physically linked MAT loci across fungal species.
  • Published in:IMA Fungus,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1186/s43008-021-00086-8
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