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A Combination of Transcriptome and Enzyme Activity Analysis Unveils Key Genes and Patterns of Corncob Lignocellulose Degradation by Auricularia heimuer under Cultivation Conditions

Summary

Researchers investigated using corncob, a corn industry byproduct, as a growing medium for Auricularia heimuer mushrooms instead of expensive sawdust. By analyzing which genes the mushroom activates at different growth stages, they identified key enzymes responsible for breaking down corncob’s tough cellulose structure. The findings show the mushroom can effectively adapt to use corncob as a substrate, offering a sustainable and economical alternative for mushroom farming while reducing agricultural waste.

Background

Auricularia heimuer is a widely cultivated edible mushroom with beneficial properties. The cultivation industry relies on wood substrates, but China’s forest law has reduced wood supply and increased costs. Corncob, an abundant agricultural byproduct, presents a sustainable alternative substrate for mushroom cultivation.

Objective

This study investigated the utilization of corncob lignocellulose by A. heimuer at mycelium, primordium, and fruiting stages. The research examined carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) expression profiles and transcriptome analysis to identify key genes involved in corncob biomass degradation.

Results

Analysis identified 10,979, 10,630, and 11,061 differentially expressed genes at mycelium, primordium, and fruiting stages respectively. Forty-six differentially expressed CAZyme genes were associated with lignocellulose degradation. Key genes included g6952, g8349, g12487, and g2976 (mycelium); g5775, g2857, g3018, and g11016 (primordium); and g10290, g2857, g12385, g7656, and g8953 (fruiting stage). LPMO played a crucial role in cellulose degradation.

Conclusion

A. heimuer exhibits adaptive mechanisms to effectively utilize corncob cellulose, particularly at primordium and fruiting stages. The identified key genes and CAZymes provide molecular insights into lignocellulose degradation mechanisms. These findings facilitate development of biotechnologies for efficient corncob biomass transformation and support sustainable mushroom cultivation.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 39194871
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