MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Systematic Analysis of the Pleurotus ostreatus Laccase Gene (PoLac) Family and Functional Characterization of PoLac2 Involved in the Degradation of Cotton-Straw Lignin

Summary

This research investigated genes responsible for breaking down plant material in oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus). Scientists identified and studied 12 different laccase genes, focusing particularly on one called PoLac2 that helps break down lignin, a tough plant compound. By enhancing the expression of this gene, they created mushrooms that could break down plant waste more efficiently. Impacts on everyday life: – Could lead to more efficient recycling of agricultural waste like cotton stalks – May help develop better methods for producing biofuels from plant materials – Could improve mushroom cultivation techniques for food production – Offers potential applications in paper production and textile processing – May contribute to more environmentally friendly industrial processes

Background

Laccase is a multi-copper polyphenol oxidase belonging to the copper blue oxidase protein family that can catalyze oxidation of various phenolic and non-phenolic compounds. Fungal laccases play important roles in fruiting body development, pigment formation, stress resistance, and lignin degradation. While some Pleurotus ostreatus laccase genes (PoLacs) have been reported, no comprehensive analysis of the full laccase gene family has been conducted.

Objective

To identify and characterize all laccase genes in the P. ostreatus genome through bioinformatics analysis and to investigate the function of PoLac2 in lignin degradation through overexpression studies.

Results

Twelve laccase genes were identified in the P. ostreatus genome and classified into three groups. The genes showed varying expression patterns during different developmental stages. PoLac2 and PoLac12 were found to be involved in lignin degradation and fruiting body formation respectively. Overexpression of PoLac2 resulted in increased laccase activity in transformants, with gene expression levels 2-8 times higher than wild-type. The lignin degradation rate in transgenic fungi was 2.36-6.3% higher than wild-type over 30 days.

Conclusion

This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the P. ostreatus laccase gene family and demonstrates that PoLac2 plays an important role in cotton-straw lignin degradation. The findings provide new insights into how white-rot basidiomycetes accomplish lignin degradation and offer guidance for extending applications of P. ostreatus laccase.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/molecules23040880
Scroll to Top