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Influences of substrate and tissue type on erinacine production and biosynthetic gene expression in Hericium erinaceus

Summary

This study examined how different growing conditions and tissue types affect erinacine production in lion’s mane mushrooms. Researchers found that mycelium (the fungal threads) produced far more erinacines than fruit bodies, and that the type of growth medium significantly influenced which erinacines were produced. Interestingly, changes in erinacine production weren’t always reflected in gene activity levels, suggesting other cellular mechanisms control these beneficial compounds.

Background

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) mycelium produces erinacines, cyathane diterpenoids with established neuroactivities, while fruit body tissue does not produce detectable amounts. Substrate composition influences erinacine content in H. erinaceus mycelial cultures, similar to secondary metabolite production in other fungi.

Objective

This study explored the relationship between biosynthetic gene expression and erinacine content in H. erinaceus by comparing fruit body tissue to mycelial tissue cultured in two liquid media formulations, examining mRNA transcript levels and erinacine concentrations using RT-qPCR and HPLC analysis.

Results

Complex media produced mycelium with significantly higher erinacine C content, while Minimal media yielded greater erinacine Q content. Despite differences in erinacine concentrations, mycelial eri gene transcript levels did not differ significantly between media types. Erinacine biosynthesis was substantially greater in mycelium compared to fruit body tissue based on both gene expression and compound concentration.

Conclusion

Substrate composition is a critical factor in erinacine production by H. erinaceus, with large differences in mycelial erinacine content occurring without significant differences in eri gene expression. Expression of eri genes is enriched in mycelium compared to fruit body, and production of fungal secondary metabolites can be influenced by tissue type and substrate components beyond gene expression levels.
  • Published in:Fungal Biology and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Experimental/Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s40694-025-00194-9, PMID: 40181478
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