Microbiome Community Structure and Functional Gene Partitioning in Different Micro-Niches Within a Sporocarp-Forming Fungus

This research examined the microbial communities living within different parts of an edible mushroom called Thelephora ganbajun. The study revealed that different sections of the mushroom host distinct communities of bacteria with specific functions, much like different neighborhoods in a city have different types of businesses and services. This discovery has important implications for everyday life: • Better understanding of how to potentially cultivate this valuable edible mushroom, which could improve food security and local economies • Insights into how fungi contribute to forest health and ecosystem functioning • Potential applications in sustainable agriculture and forestry practices • Improved knowledge of natural processes that could inspire biotechnology innovations • Better understanding of how microorganisms work together in nature, which could inform human health research