MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Gene Expression Studies of the Dikaryotic Mycelium and Primordium of Lentinula edodes by Serial Analysis of Gene Expression

Summary

This research examined how gene activity changes when shiitake mushrooms transition from thread-like growth to forming mushroom buds. Using advanced genetic techniques, the scientists identified specific genes that turn on and off during this important developmental stage. This knowledge advances our understanding of mushroom growth and development. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to improved cultivation methods for shiitake and other edible mushrooms • May help increase mushroom production efficiency and yield • Could enable better quality control in commercial mushroom farming • May lead to enhanced nutritional content through selective breeding • Could help develop more disease-resistant mushroom strains

Background

Lentinula edodes (Shiitake mushroom) is a popular edible mushroom with high nutritional and medicinal value. While some genes involved in fruiting have been identified, the molecular processes governing differentiation from dikaryotic mycelium to primordium remain poorly understood.

Objective

To determine and compare gene expression profiles of the dikaryotic mycelium and primordium stages of L. edodes using serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) to better understand the molecular basis of fruit body development.

Results

A total of 6,363 tags were extracted (3,278 from dikaryotic mycelium and 3,085 from primordium), with 164 unique tags matching the EST database. The expression profiles differed between stages, with the primordium showing abundant hydrophobin expression, reduced structural gene expression, increased transcription/translation activity, changes in intracellular trafficking genes, and increased stress responses.

Conclusion

The transition from mycelium to primordium requires a specific set of genes for fruit body development. This study represents the first SAGE analysis of a mushroom species and provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of fruiting body development in L. edodes.
  • Published in:Mycological Research,
  • Study Type:Gene Expression Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.mycres.2008.01.028
Scroll to Top