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Transcriptome Analysis of Ganoderma lingzhi Response to Trichoderma hengshanicum Infection

Summary

This research investigated how the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lingzhi defends itself against infection by a harmful mold pathogen at the molecular level. The study revealed specific genes and biological pathways that are activated or suppressed during infection, providing valuable insights for developing more resistant mushroom strains. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps develop better disease-resistant medicinal mushrooms for healthcare products – Could lead to improved cultivation methods for mushroom farmers – May reduce the need for chemical fungicides in mushroom production – Contributes to more sustainable and efficient production of natural medicines – Could help lower costs of medicinal mushroom products for consumers

Background

Ganoderma lingzhi is a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom with important pharmacological properties including immune modulation, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes and other health functions. Green mold caused by Trichoderma species has become one of the most serious diseases threatening G. lingzhi production. Understanding the molecular defense mechanisms of G. lingzhi against T. hengshanicum infection is crucial for breeding resistant varieties.

Objective

To understand the possible resistance mechanism of G. lingzhi response to T. hengshanicum infection by examining transcript accumulation at 0, 12, and 24 hours after inoculation using RNA-seq and digital gene expression profiling methods.

Results

Transcriptome sequencing identified 162 differentially expressed genes across three infection time points, including 15 up-regulated and 147 down-regulated genes. Resistance-related genes like thaumatin-like proteins, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and Beta-1,3-glucan binding protein were significantly up-regulated. Heat shock protein genes were down-regulated at all time points. Key enriched pathways included sphingolipid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, and valine/leucine/isoleucine degradation.

Conclusion

The study revealed important differentially expressed genes and metabolic pathways involved in the early defense response of G. lingzhi against T. hengshanicum infection. While the pathogen induced resistance mechanisms in G. lingzhi, this resistance was not sufficient to completely prevent infection. The findings provide a theoretical basis for breeding resistant strains of G. lingzhi.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Transcriptome Analysis,
  • Source: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1131599
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