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The Evolution of Genomic and Epigenomic Features in Two Pleurotus Fungi

Summary

This research analyzed the genetic and epigenetic features of two important edible mushroom species to better understand their evolution and differences. The study provides insights into how these mushrooms adapted to different environments and host plants. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps improve mushroom breeding programs to develop better cultivated varieties • Advances understanding of how edible mushrooms break down wood and plant material • Provides knowledge to potentially expand where these nutritious mushrooms can be grown • Could lead to more efficient production of these commercially valuable food sources • May enable development of mushroom strains with enhanced nutritional or medicinal properties

Background

Pleurotus tuoliensis (Bailinggu) and P. eryngii var. eryngii (Xingbaogu) are highly valued edible mushrooms. While Xingbaogu is broadly distributed from France and Spain to western China and Mediterranean regions, wild Bailinggu is primarily distributed in narrow geographical areas where its plant hosts reside. Their exact phylogenetic relationship has remained debated, though recent analyses support treating them as distinct species.

Objective

To generate and analyze high-quality genome assemblies for both mushrooms using PacBio sequencing, annotate all identified genes, and conduct comparative genomic analysis between the two species with P. ostreatus as an outgroup. Additionally, to characterize and compare their methylomes and regulatory roles of DNA methylation in gene expression.

Results

The study revealed extensive genomic divergence between the two mushroom genomes primarily due to rapid gain of taxon-specific genes and disruption of synteny. The phylogenetic analysis validated earlier proposals to designate P. tuoliensis as an independent species. Variation in wood-decay-related gene content helped explain their variable adaptation and host specificity. DNA methylation was found to occur mainly in transposable elements and negatively regulated gene expression in both species.

Conclusion

The genome, methylome and transcriptome data provide valuable information for understanding the evolution of Pleurotus and related genera. The findings support P. tuoliensis as a distinct species and reveal molecular mechanisms underlying their adaptation and host specificity. The data will facilitate genome- and epigenome-based strategies for mushroom breeding.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Genomic and Epigenomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-018-26619-7
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