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Combined Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Heat Tolerance of Le023M, a Mutant in Lentinula edodes

Summary

This research investigated how a specially developed mutant strain of shiitake mushroom can better withstand high temperatures compared to normal strains. The findings have important real-world implications: • Improved mushroom cultivation during warm seasons, potentially increasing year-round production • Development of more heat-resistant mushroom strains for commercial farming • Better understanding of how organisms adapt to heat stress, which is increasingly important with climate change • Potential applications in developing heat-tolerant crops and other organisms • Economic benefits for mushroom farmers through reduced crop losses during hot weather

Background

Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom) is one of the most important edible mushrooms, accounting for 22% of world’s cultivated mushrooms. While it has valuable nutritional and medicinal properties, L. edodes is susceptible to heat damage, with temperatures above 32°C negatively affecting mycelial development. A mutant strain Le023M was previously developed showing exceptional thermotolerance compared to the original strain Le023.

Objective

To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying heat tolerance in the Le023M mutant strain of L. edodes through integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis, comparing its response to heat stress with the original Le023 strain.

Results

RNA-seq analysis revealed differentially expressed genes primarily associated with protein refolding, protein unfolding, protein folding, and heat shock response. Heat shock-related genes showed significant accumulation in Le023M under heat stress. GC-MS analysis identified elevated levels of trehalose, aspartate, and glutamate in Le023M during heat stress. The genes involved in these metabolic pathways were predominantly expressed in Le023M. Le023M exhibited faster mycelial recovery following heat stress compared to Le023.

Conclusion

The study identified three key mechanisms of heat tolerance in Le023M: 1) crucial role of heat shock proteins in thermo-resistance, 2) enhanced mycelium resistance through trehalose accumulation, and 3) increased aspartate and glutamate accumulation in response to heat stress. These findings provide valuable insights for understanding and improving heat stress response in L. edodes and highlight potential applications for high-temperature cultivation.
  • Published in:Heliyon,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18360
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