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Enhancement and Mechanism of Ergosterol Biosynthesis in Termite Ball Fungus Athelia termitophila by Methyl Jasmonate

Summary

Scientists studied how to increase ergosterol production in termite ball fungus, a medicinal fungus used in traditional medicine. By adding methyl jasmonate, a natural signaling molecule, they more than doubled ergosterol content. Ergosterol is used to make vitamin D2 and certain medications for inflammation and cancer. The study identified which genes need to be activated for better ergosterol production, providing insights for creating more effective medical products from fungi.

Background

Ergosterol is a fungal cell membrane component with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-fungal properties. Athelia termitophila (termite ball fungus) contains ergosterol and other secondary metabolites but has limitations in artificial cultivation. Inducers like methyl jasmonate can enhance secondary metabolite synthesis through signal transduction pathways.

Objective

To enhance ergosterol biosynthesis and mycelial biomass in Athelia termitophila using methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid as inducers. To identify optimal inducer concentrations, incubation times, and molecular mechanisms underlying ergosterol synthesis pathway gene regulation.

Results

Optimal ergosterol production (2.23-fold increase) was achieved at 80 µmol/L methyl jasmonate with 12-day incubation. RT-qPCR showed methyl jasmonate significantly induced expression of HMGR, HMGS, SE, and FPS genes. Strong positive correlations were found between ergosterol content and expression of these key biosynthesis genes (r=0.61-0.92, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Methyl jasmonate effectively enhances ergosterol biosynthesis in Athelia termitophila through upregulation of mevalonate pathway genes. The identified key genes (HMGR, HMGS, SE, FPS) and optimal induction conditions provide a foundation for industrial-scale ergosterol production and genetic engineering approaches to further improve yields.
  • Published in:Current Issues in Molecular Biology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40136403; DOI: 10.3390/cimb47030149
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