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Comparative Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Regulatory Mechanism of Nutrient Limitation-Induced Sporulation of Antrodia cinnamomea in Submerged Fermentation

Summary

This research investigated how the medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea produces spores when nutrients are limited, which is important for large-scale cultivation. The scientists discovered the genetic mechanisms that control spore production when the fungus experiences nutrient stress. This understanding could help improve commercial production of this valuable medicinal mushroom. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to more efficient and affordable production of medicinal mushroom supplements • May help reduce costs of natural medicines derived from this fungus • Provides insights that could be applied to cultivation of other beneficial mushrooms • Could increase availability of natural compounds with various health benefits • Demonstrates how understanding genetic mechanisms can improve biotechnology processes

Background

Antrodia cinnamomea is a precious edible and medicinal mushroom with various biological activities including hepatoprotection, antitumor, antivirus, immunoregulation, and intestinal flora regulation. Wild fruiting bodies are scarce and expensive, making submerged fermentation based on spore inoculation the most efficient and popular artificial culture method. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling sporulation under nutrient limitation conditions are not fully understood.

Objective

To investigate and reveal the regulatory mechanism underlying asexual sporulation induced by nutrient limitation in submerged fermentation of A. cinnamomea using comparative transcriptomics analysis with RNA-seq and RT-qPCR.

Results

Under nitrogen starvation, sensors transmit signals to genes like areA and tmpA, promoting their expression. AreA affects flbD expression, enhancing brlA expression, while TmpA directly affects brlA. Under carbon starvation, transport protein Rco-3 acts as a glucose sensor transmitting signals to brlA. BrlA promotes abaA gene expression, which enhances wetA expression, leading to asexual sporulation and spore maturation. Additionally, gulC promotes cell autolysis, providing energy and raw materials for sporulation.

Conclusion

The study revealed the molecular regulatory mechanism of nutrient limitation-induced sporulation in A. cinnamomea, showing how carbon and nitrogen starvation signals are sensed and transmitted through specific genetic pathways to promote sporulation. This understanding provides guidance for constructing A. cinnamomea strains with enhanced sporulation performance, potentially improving inoculum preparation efficiency for submerged fermentation.
  • Published in:Foods,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/foods11172715
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