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PRMT5 promotes cellulase production by regulating the expression of cellulase gene eg2 through histone methylation in Ganoderma lucidum

Summary

Scientists discovered that a protein called PRMT5 helps mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) produce more cellulase enzymes, which break down plant materials like corn straw and corn cobs. By controlling a specific gene called eg2 through a chemical modification on histone proteins, PRMT5 increases enzyme production. This discovery could help industries produce cellulase more efficiently and sustainably convert agricultural waste into useful sugars for biofuels and other products.

Background

Cellulase enzymes degrade cellulose into reducing sugars and have significant industrial applications in textile, paper, feed, food and energy industries. Ganoderma lucidum is a white rot fungus that secretes large amounts of cellulase during growth. Post-translational modifications affect cellulase production, and PRMT5 is involved in transcriptional regulation and signal transduction.

Objective

This study investigated whether and how PRMT5 regulates cellulase production in G. lucidum. The researchers aimed to determine if PRMT5 promotes cellulase production and the underlying molecular mechanism involving histone methylation.

Results

Silencing prmt5 reduced cellulase activity by 23% and mycelium growth rate by 71% in wood chip tubes. PRMT5 positively regulated eg2 expression through H4R3me2s histone methylation at the promoter and ORF regions. eg2 silencing decreased cellulase activity by 51% while overexpression increased it by approximately 60%.

Conclusion

PRMT5 promotes cellulase production in G. lucidum by regulating eg2 expression through histone methylation. This finding provides theoretical basis for developing new cellulase enzyme sources and improving industrial production efficiency.
  • Published in:Microbial Cell Factories,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12934-025-02814-w, PMID: 40830861
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