MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Pan-genomic characterization and structural variant analysis reveal insights into spore development and species diversity in Ganoderma

Summary

Researchers completed the first comprehensive genome study of 15 Ganoderma (Lingzhi/Reishi) varieties, including five new Chinese strains. They discovered that specific genetic changes in the MSH4 gene dramatically increase spore production in one superior strain. These findings help explain why different Ganoderma varieties have different medicinal properties and can guide breeding of better medicinal mushroom varieties.

Background

Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi/Reishi) is a medicinal fungus with a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. Understanding genomic diversity and functional implications is crucial for elucidating evolutionary history and biotechnological potential. Different Ganoderma varieties exhibit distinct morphologies, properties and medicinal effects.

Objective

To present the first pan-genomic analysis of Ganoderma spp. by combining five newly sequenced genomes of Xianzhilou (XZL) varieties with ten publicly available genomes. To identify core genes, species-specific gene sets, and structural variants impacting gene expression, particularly those affecting spore development and species diversity.

Results

Successfully assembled five high-quality Ganoderma genomes (48.6-53.1 Mb) with >96% completeness. Pan-genome analysis of 15 Ganoderma genomes identified 13,487 gene families, with 5,917 core families (43.87%). MSH4 gene in S3 strain showed 440 bp insertion in promoter region and leucine-to-serine mutation, correlating with higher spore production. Structural variants significantly influenced gene expression of spore development genes.

Conclusion

This first pan-genomic analysis of Ganoderma reveals rich genomic landscape and provides insights into spore development regulation, particularly through MSH4 gene variants. Findings support understanding of evolutionary history, genetic improvement, and breeding of superior Ganoderma varieties with enhanced medicinal and reproductive properties for biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.
  • Published in:Microbial Genomics,
  • Study Type:Comparative Genomics Study,
  • Source: 10.1099/mgen.0.001328, PMID: 39565084
Scroll to Top