Changes of Active Substances in Ganoderma lucidum During Different Growth Periods and Analysis of Their Molecular Mechanism

Author: mycolabadmin
2024-05-31
View Source

Summary

This research examined how the beneficial compounds in Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) change during different growth stages. The study found that different active ingredients peak at different times during the mushroom’s development, which is crucial information for maximizing its medicinal benefits. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps determine the best time to harvest reishi mushrooms for specific health benefits • Improves the quality and effectiveness of reishi mushroom supplements and products • Contributes to more efficient cultivation practices, potentially making medicinal mushroom products more accessible and affordable • Enables better standardization of reishi mushroom products for consistent therapeutic effects • Provides scientific basis for traditional medicinal uses of reishi mushrooms

Background

Ganoderma lucidum is an essential edible and medicinal mushroom in China that remains poorly understood regarding the mechanisms governing active component accumulation and protein expression across its developmental stages. The global G. lucidum industry generates approximately US$ 7.5 billion annually, but meeting growing consumer demand is challenging due to limited wild availability. Over 700 compounds have been isolated from G. lucidum, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, sterols, alkaloids, amino acid peptides, and furan derivatives.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the dynamic alterations in metabolite accumulation and protein expression in G. lucidum throughout its growth phases using an integrated metabolomics and proteomics approach. The goal was to understand the molecular mechanisms driving these changes and identify optimal harvesting times for different active compounds.

Results

The metabolomics analysis identified 2043 metabolites and revealed elevated levels of triterpenoids, steroids, and polyphenolic compounds during the budding stage, with prominent compounds including Diplazium and Ganoderenic acids E, H, and I. Nutrients such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and purines showed higher presence during the maturation stage. Proteomic analysis demonstrated that triterpenoid synthesis was modulated by CYP450, HMGR, HMGS, and ERG protein families, which showed declining expression as G. lucidum progressed, except for the ARE family which increased.

Conclusion

The study determined that the budding stage (BS) is the optimal harvesting period for G. lucidum when targeting triterpenes and steroids, while the fruit maturity stage (FS) is better for obtaining purine nucleotides, isoflavonoids, pteridines, and phenanthrene derivatives. This comprehensive analysis provides new insights into the metabolic and protein changes during G. lucidum development and establishes a theoretical framework for improving cultivation practices and quality control.

Published in:Molecules,
Study Type:Laboratory Research,
Source: 10.3390/molecules29112591