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Evidence for the Existence of Mating Subtypes Within the Schizophyllum commune: Mating Behavior and Genetic Divergence

Summary

Researchers discovered that a common fungus called Schizophyllum commune has hidden genetic subtypes within its mating types that weren’t recognized before. By studying 149 fungal strains and analyzing their mating behavior, they found that fungi with the same mating type could still behave differently when reproducing. Specific genes controlling pheromone chemicals were identified as responsible for these differences, revealing more complexity in fungal reproduction than previously understood.

Background

Schizophyllum commune is a basidiomycete fungus with a well-studied tetrapolar mating system serving as a key model for sexual reproduction research. Previous research has focused on four classical mating types determined by A and B loci combinations, with limited investigation into potential differentiation within the same mating type.

Objective

This study investigates whether mating subtypes exist within S. commune by analyzing monokaryotic strains isolated from a subseafloor dikaryotic strain. The research aims to characterize mating behavior phenotypes and identify genetic factors responsible for mating subtype differentiation.

Results

Two distinct mating subtypes (I and II) were identified within S. commune, each producing four mating interaction phenotypes. Intra-subtype crosses yielded symmetric G1 phenotypes, while inter-subtype crosses produced asymmetric G2 phenotypes with reduced fruiting body production. Gene silencing of bbp2-9 and bbp2-7 pheromone genes reversed mating phenotypes, confirming their role in subtype determination.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for the existence of two distinct mating subtypes in S. commune with different reproductive outcomes. The identification of pheromone genes bbp2-9 and bbp2-7 as key determinants challenges the classical understanding of tetrapolar mating systems and reveals previously unrecognized genetic diversity within fungal mating types.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40278098, DOI: 10.3390/jof11040277
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