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Telomere-to-Telomere Assembly of the Cordyceps militaris CH1 Genome and Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Provide New Insights into Cordycepin Biosynthesis Under Light Stress

Summary

Researchers successfully sequenced the complete genome of Cordyceps militaris CH1, a medicinal fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine. By exposing the fungus to light and analyzing gene expression and metabolite changes, they discovered that light stress activates key genes involved in producing cordycepin, the main active medicinal compound. This breakthrough provides a foundation for improving cordycepin production in artificial cultivation, making this valuable medicine more affordable and accessible.

Background

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal fungus widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for immune enhancement, anti-fatigue, and anti-tumor effects. The main bioactive compound cordycepin has significant therapeutic potential but the mechanisms of its biosynthesis remain incompletely understood. Previous genome assemblies of C. militaris were fragmented and lacked complete chromosome-level resolution.

Objective

To construct a high-quality telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of C. militaris CH1 and integrate transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to elucidate cordycepin biosynthesis under light stress conditions. The study aimed to identify key genes and metabolic pathways involved in cordycepin production.

Results

A complete T2T genome of 32.67 Mb with 10,749 predicted genes was assembled with 99.20% completeness. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses identified 842 differentially expressed genes and 2052 altered metabolites under light stress. Four gene clusters related to cordycepin synthesis were identified, with significant upregulation of cns3, and 79 genes coding for enzymes in adenine and adenosine synthesis showed coordinated upregulation.

Conclusion

The high-quality T2T genome assembly and integrated multi-omics analysis provide comprehensive insights into C. militaris CH1 genomics and cordycepin biosynthesis mechanisms. Light stress promotes cordycepin production through upregulation of key biosynthetic genes and enzymes, offering a biological foundation for efficient production of this important medicinal compound.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Genomic and Comparative Analysis,
  • Source: 40558975
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