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Uncovering the hidden diversity of litter-decomposition mechanisms in mushroom-forming fungi

Summary

This research reveals how different fungi break down dead plant material in nature, which is crucial for nutrient cycling and soil health. The study shows that fungi previously thought to use similar decomposition strategies actually have diverse and specialized ways of breaking down plant matter. This has important implications for understanding how forests and other ecosystems function. Impacts on everyday life: • Better understanding of natural decomposition processes helps develop more effective composting methods • Insights into fungal enzymes can lead to improved biofuel production technologies • Knowledge of fungal diversity helps in forest management and soil conservation • Understanding decomposition mechanisms aids in developing sustainable waste management practices • These findings could help develop new industrial enzymes for various applications

Background

Litter decomposing fungi in the order Agaricales play a key role in terrestrial carbon cycling but their decomposition mechanisms are not well understood. These fungi are phylogenetically related to white-rot wood decayers and share some enzymatic capabilities, but the full extent of their functional diversity and adaptations remains unclear.

Objective

To investigate and compare the plant cell wall decomposition mechanisms between litter decomposers and wood-decay fungi by analyzing gene families involved in plant cell wall degradation from newly sequenced litter decomposer genomes and examining their ability to decompose crystalline cellulose.

Results

Both litter decomposers and white-rot fungi share enzymatic cellulose decomposition mechanisms, while brown-rot fungi use a distinct mechanism that disrupts cellulose crystallinity. However, litter decomposers and white-rot fungi differ in their hemicellulose and lignin degradation gene repertoires, suggesting adaptation to different substrates. Litter decomposers showed high phylogroup diversity indicating functional versatility, while some white-rot species showed adaptation to bulk-wood decomposition. Species with unique characteristics were detected in both groups, suggesting previously unknown adaptations.

Conclusion

The traditional categorization of fungi as white-rot or litter decomposers masks a much greater functional diversity in plant cell wall decomposition strategies. The study revealed that while litter decomposers share some mechanisms with white-rot fungi, they have distinct genomic signatures related to hemicellulose and lignin degradation that likely represent adaptations to the litter environment. The findings suggest more complex and diverse decomposition strategies than previously recognized.
  • Published in:The ISME Journal,
  • Study Type:Comparative Genomics and Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41396-020-0667-6
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