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Multi-omics analysis of Taiwanofungus gaoligongensis: effects of different cultivation methods on secondary metabolites

Summary

Scientists studied a medicinal mushroom species to understand how different growing methods affect its beneficial compounds. They found that growing the mushroom on specific wood substrates (from cinnamon trees) produced much higher levels of therapeutic compounds compared to rice-based cultivation. Using advanced molecular techniques, they identified the genes responsible for producing these medicinal compounds and how they are controlled, providing insights to improve mushroom cultivation for better health benefits.

Background

Taiwanofungus gaoligongensis is a newly identified fungal species with bioactive compounds including triterpenoids, antcins, and antrodin C. Natural fruiting bodies are rare due to slow growth on endangered host plants, making artificial cultivation methods critical. Different cultivation approaches significantly influence the composition and abundance of secondary metabolites.

Objective

To investigate the effects of various cultivation methods on secondary metabolite production in T. gaoligongensis using multi-omics analysis. The study compared fruiting bodies cultured on wood logs with mycelia cultured on different substrates including C. kanehirae, C. camphora, and rice medium.

Results

NZJB and XZJB significantly enhanced terpenoid production with triterpenoid contents 7-fold and 3.9-fold higher than DM respectively. Antcin C peaked in XZJB (9.72-fold higher than DM) while antcin I and antrodin C reached maximum levels in NZJB. Transcriptome analysis revealed TgHMGR as a key rate-limiting enzyme with expression regulated by TgHSF4 and other transcription factors.

Conclusion

Artificial cultivation on C. kanehirae and C. camphora substrates significantly enhanced bioactive compound production compared to rice medium. The identification of transcriptional regulatory mechanisms controlling terpenoid biosynthesis provides strategies for optimizing cultivation methods to improve medicinal value and production efficiency of T. gaoligongensis.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40822405, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1620693
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