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Identification and Functional Analysis of Pheromone and Receptor Genes in the B3 Mating Locus of Pleurotus eryngii

Summary

This research examined the genetic mechanisms controlling how king oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii) reproduce and form fruiting bodies. The scientists identified and studied specific genes that control mating between different mushroom strains. Understanding these mating genes is crucial for mushroom breeding programs. Impacts on everyday life: – Improved breeding methods for commercial mushroom production – More efficient cultivation of nutritious edible mushrooms – Better quality and variety of mushrooms available to consumers – Potential cost reduction in mushroom farming – Enhanced food security through improved crop breeding techniques

Background

Pleurotus eryngii has become a major cultivated mushroom that uses tetrapolar heterothallism in its reproductive process. Sexual development only progresses when A and B mating types are compatible. Mating incompatibility can limit breeding program efficiency when crossing within loci-shared strains or using backcrossing strategies.

Objective

To isolate and identify pheromone and receptor genes in the B3 locus of P. eryngii and perform functional analysis of the genes in the mating process through transformation.

Results

The B3 locus was found to contain four pheromone precursor genes and four receptor genes. Most pheromone and receptor genes showed significantly higher expression in monokaryotic cells compared to dikaryotic cells. The transformed pheromone and receptor genes demonstrated involvement in mating and fruiting processes when crossed with tester strains, producing clamp connections and normal fruiting bodies.

Conclusion

The study successfully identified pheromone and receptor genes in the B3 locus of P. eryngii and demonstrated their role in mating and fruiting processes. The findings contribute to understanding fruiting differentiation mechanisms and may help improve breeding efficiency. The research also confirmed that PESTE3.3.1, despite having a short C-terminal cytoplasmic region, functions as a receptor gene.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104693
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