Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Genes Involved in the Fruiting Body Development of Ophiocordyceps sinensis
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2020-01-16
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Summary
This research examined how genes control the development of the valuable medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis as it grows from simple fungal threads into its mature form. Understanding these genetic mechanisms could help scientists cultivate this endangered species instead of harvesting it from the wild.
Key impacts on everyday life:
– Could lead to sustainable production of this important traditional medicine
– May reduce pressure on wild populations in Tibet
– Could make the medicine more affordable and accessible
– Provides insights into fungal development that could help cultivate other medicinal mushrooms
– Demonstrates how modern genetic tools can help preserve traditional medicines
Background
Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a highly valued medicinal fungus endemic to the Tibetan Plateau that has been used in traditional Asian medicine for over 2000 years. Due to global warming and excessive collection, wild populations have declined dramatically. Large-scale cultivation has not been achieved due to unclear genetic mechanisms controlling fruiting body development.
Objective
To investigate the molecular basis of fruiting body development in O. sinensis by comparing transcriptomes from different growth stages including asexual mycelium (CM), developing fruiting body (DF) and mature fruiting body (FB).
Results
The expression profiles of FB and DF stages were more similar compared to CM. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in protein synthesis and baseline metabolism during fruiting body development. Several fruiting body development-associated genes regulated by ecological factors were upregulated in FB samples. Expression levels of cytoskeleton genes were significantly altered across growth stages. Alternative splicing analysis revealed stage-specific splicing genes potentially important for fruiting body development.
Conclusion
Fruiting body formation requires increased energy and protein synthesis compared to vegetative growth. Light regulation of development may occur via ROS-mediated pathways. Cytoskeleton genes play crucial roles in both vegetative growth and fruiting body development. The study provides novel insights into the genetic basis of O. sinensis fruiting body development that could help enable large-scale cultivation.
- Published in:PeerJ,
- Study Type:Comparative Transcriptome Analysis,
- Source: 10.7717/peerj.8379