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Comparative Genomic Analysis of Pleurotus Species Reveals Insights into the Evolution and Coniferous Utilization of Pleurotus placentodes

Summary

This research examined how certain mushrooms can grow on pine and other conifer tree waste materials, which could help solve environmental problems from unused wood waste. The scientists studied the genetic makeup of two different mushroom species to understand why one can grow on conifer wood while most cannot. The findings have several practical implications: • Could lead to new mushroom varieties that can be grown on currently unused conifer waste • May help reduce environmental pollution from wood waste by converting it into edible mushrooms • Could provide economic benefits by turning waste materials into valuable food products • Demonstrates potential for more sustainable forestry practices through better waste utilization • Could help develop more efficient methods for breaking down woody plant materials

Background

Coniferous trees generate millions of tons of waste annually that is underutilized and often only used as fuel, causing environmental issues. While edible mushroom production is an important way to utilize agricultural and forestry waste, most mushrooms cannot grow well on conifer substrates due to compounds that inhibit their growth. Pleurotus placentodes (PPL) is unique in its ability to grow on conifer substrates, providing potential for better waste utilization.

Objective

To reveal the genetic mechanisms behind PPL’s ability to adapt to and utilize conifer substrates through de novo genome sequencing and comparative analysis with Pleurotus cystidiosus (PCY), which grows on broad-leaved trees. The study aimed to identify differences in evolution, structure, and molecular features related to conifer substrate adaptation.

Results

The genome sizes of PPL and PCY were determined to be 36.12 Mb and 42.74 Mb respectively, containing 10,851 and 15,673 protein-coding genes. Evolution analysis showed PPL was closely related to P. ostreatus with divergence time of 62.7 MYA, while PCY was more distantly related with divergence time of 111.7 MYA. PPL showed increased numbers of CAZYmes related to pectin and cellulose degradation. Geraniol degradation and peroxisome pathways were identified as potential factors in PPL’s conifer tolerance.

Conclusion

The study provides valuable genomic resources for understanding Pleurotus species evolution and adaptation to conifer substrates. PPL’s ability to thrive on conifer substrates appears linked to enhanced enzyme systems for cellulose/pectin degradation and specific stress resistance pathways. These findings could aid in developing new Pleurotus varieties capable of better conifer waste utilization.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1292556
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