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Cultivating Lentinula edodes on Substrate Containing Composted Sawdust Affects the Expression of Carbohydrate and Aromatic Amino Acid Metabolism-Related Genes

Summary

This research explored how using composted sawdust instead of fresh sawdust affects the growth of shiitake mushrooms. The study found that composted sawdust led to faster mushroom growth and potentially better quality mushrooms. The researchers analyzed the genetic and protein changes that occurred when growing mushrooms on composted versus fresh sawdust to understand why these improvements happened. Impacts on everyday life: – Could lead to faster production times for shiitake mushrooms, potentially reducing costs for consumers – May result in higher quality shiitake mushrooms in the market – Demonstrates a more efficient way to grow mushrooms commercially – Could help make mushroom farming more sustainable by utilizing composted materials – Provides scientific basis for improving mushroom cultivation practices

Background

Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom) has high nutritional and economic value, accounting for over one fifth of global mushroom production. The growth proceeds through stages including brown film formation, which is crucial for successful cultivation as it affects primordium development and fruiting body quality. While composting substrates is common for some mushrooms like Agaricus bisporus, it is not typically used for L. edodes cultivation, despite potential benefits in nutrient availability.

Objective

To systematically study the effects of cultivating Lentinula edodes on composted sawdust substrate compared to fresh sawdust, focusing on the brown film formation stage. The study aimed to analyze differences in enzyme activity and gene expression at RNA and protein levels using enzyme assays, transcriptomics, and proteomics.

Results

The brown film formation time was shorter and mycelium growth rate higher on composted sawdust substrate. Among 9,455 annotated genes, 96 were upregulated and 139 downregulated in composted versus fresh sawdust treatments. Of 2,509 identified proteins, 74 were upregulated and 113 downregulated. Most differentially expressed genes related to carbohydrate active enzymes were downregulated in composted sawdust substrate, likely due to lower hemicellulose and cellulose content. Genes encoding MFS transporters and cytochrome P450 were upregulated, suggesting increased material transport.

Conclusion

Using composted sawdust substrate may decrease L. edodes cultivation time and improve quality, as evidenced by faster growth rate and higher polysaccharide content in the brown film. The improved growth was likely due to higher nitrogen content in composted substrate. Changes in KEGG pathways were connected to differences in cellulose, hemicellulose and nitrogen contents between substrates, as well as growth rate and polysaccharide content differences.
  • Published in:mSystems,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1128/msystems.00827-21
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