Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the genetic basis underlying the biosynthesis of polysaccharides in Hericium erinaceus

Author: mycolabadmin
7/30/2019
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Summary

Researchers studied six different strains of lion’s mane mushrooms to understand how they produce beneficial compounds called polysaccharides. Using advanced genetic analysis, they identified thirteen key genes responsible for making these health-promoting molecules. The study found that a strain called PZH-05 produced the most polysaccharides, and its genes were more active than in other strains. This research helps explain why lion’s mane mushrooms are effective for boosting immunity, fighting cancer, and managing blood sugar.

Background

Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane mushroom) is an edible and medicinal fungus with diverse bioactive metabolites possessing anticancer, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic and neuroprotective properties. Although chemical synthesis processes of bioactive metabolites are known, the biosynthetic processes remain largely unknown. Polysaccharides are identified as major bioactive compounds responsible for medicinal properties.

Objective

To investigate the genetic basis and biosynthetic pathways of polysaccharides in six H. erinaceus strains using comparative transcriptome analysis. To identify genes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis and map the putative intracellular biosynthetic pathway. To characterize transcriptome features including ORFs and SSRs across different strains.

Results

Transcriptomes ranged from 46.58 to 58.14 Mb with 20,902 to 37,259 unigenes per strain. Approximately 60% of unigenes were annotated with enrichment in signal transduction, carbohydrate metabolism, translation, transport and catabolism. Thirteen genes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis were identified, including phosphoglucomutase (PGM), glucose phosphate isomerase (PGI), and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP). Expression levels of these key genes correlated with polysaccharide content, with strain PZH-05 showing the highest polysaccharide content (43.97 mg/g).

Conclusion

The study identified key enzymes and genes critical for polysaccharide biosynthesis in H. erinaceus, particularly PGM, PGI, and UGP. The putative intracellular polysaccharide biosynthesis pathway was mapped and validated through expression analysis. These findings facilitate understanding of secondary metabolite biosynthesis in H. erinaceus and provide insights applicable to other Basidiomycetes species for improved commercial production.

Published in:Botanical Studies,
Study Type:Transcriptome analysis, Comparative genomics,
Source: PMID: 31363932, DOI: 10.1186/s40529-019-0263-0