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Comparative Transcriptome Profiles of the Response of Mycelia of the Genus Morchella to Temperature Stress: An Examination of Potential Resistance Mechanisms

Summary

Scientists studied how morel mushrooms respond to different temperatures to understand why cultivation can be unpredictable. By analyzing gene activity in mushroom mycelia (the underground filaments) at temperatures from 5°C to 30°C, they found that 15-20°C was ideal for growth. At higher temperatures, the mushrooms showed signs of stress similar to heat damage in other organisms, turning brownish and activating protective genes. This research helps mushroom farmers optimize growing conditions for better yields.

Background

Temperature and moisture are critical environmental factors affecting fungal growth and development. Morchella mushrooms are valuable edible fungi with significant nutritional and medicinal properties, but artificial cultivation faces challenges due to temperature-related yield instability. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of temperature stress response in Morchella mycelia is essential for optimizing cultivation techniques.

Objective

To determine the comparative transcriptome profiles and identify potential resistance mechanisms in mycelia of three Morchella species (M. sextelata, M. septimelata, and M. importuna) in response to temperature stress across a range of 5-30°C.

Results

Optimal mycelial growth occurred at 15-20°C. Transcriptome analysis identified 2843, 2404, 1973, 1572, and 1866 differentially expressed genes at 5, 10, 15, 25, and 30°C respectively compared to 20°C. WGCNA identified four module eigengenes, with turquoise module genes positively correlated with temperature (r=0.946) and blue module genes negatively correlated (r=-0.896). High temperatures induced oxidative stress, energy metabolism upregulation, and heat shock protein expression, while low temperatures enhanced purine metabolism and translation processes.

Conclusion

The study reveals distinct temperature adaptation mechanisms in Morchella species, with low temperatures primarily affecting ribosomal synthesis and purine metabolism, while high temperatures cause greater cellular damage through oxidative stress. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing Morchella cultivation techniques and improving breeding strategies for different species and strains.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 38535187, DOI: 10.3390/jof10030178
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