Draft Genome Sequence of the Coprinoid Mushroom Coprinopsis strossmayeri
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 4/6/2017
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Summary
Scientists sequenced the complete genetic blueprint of Coprinopsis strossmayeri, a mushroom that lives in dung. By analyzing its genome, they discovered the mushroom produces multiple types of chemical compounds with antimicrobial properties that could be useful for developing new medicines. The research highlights how fungi living in competitive environments like dung have evolved to produce substances that could benefit human health through pharmaceutical applications.
Background
Coprinopsis strossmayeri is a coprinoid mushroom that inhabits herbivore dung, a highly competitive environment. Basidiomycete fungi are known to produce diverse bioactive secondary metabolites with potential pharmaceutical applications. Terpenoids are the most abundant class of compounds produced by basidiomycetes.
Objective
The study aimed to generate and analyze the draft genome sequence of Coprinopsis strossmayeri. The goal was to identify biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for antimicrobial secondary metabolite production and characterize genes involved in these pathways.
Results
The genome assembly comprised 622 contigs totaling 33,316,483 bp with an N50 of 190,582 bp and 49% G+C content. Five terpene synthase genes were identified, with four related to sesquiterpene biosynthesis and one to diterpene biosynthesis. Additional secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes including polyketide synthases, nonribosomal peptide synthases, and a copsin-like antimicrobial peptide locus were identified.
Conclusion
The draft genome sequence reveals the potential of C. strossmayeri as a source of novel terpenoid secondary metabolites for pharmaceutical exploitation. The identified biosynthetic gene clusters suggest significant pharmaceutical potential for this fungal species.
- Published in:Genome Announcements,
- Study Type:Genome Announcement,
- Source: PMID: 28385829, DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00044-17