Genetic regulation of l-tryptophan metabolism in Psilocybe mexicana supports psilocybin biosynthesis
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 4/25/2024
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Summary
Researchers studied how magic mushrooms (Psilocybe mexicana) control their chemical processes to make psilocybin. They found that when mushrooms start producing psilocybin, they turn on genes that make more of an amino acid called tryptophan, while turning off genes that would break it down. They also discovered and studied an enzyme that helps control tryptophan use. This understanding could help grow these mushrooms with more consistent psilocybin levels for legitimate medical research into treating depression.
Background
Basidiomycota produce pharmaceutically relevant natural products, but knowledge of how they coordinate primary and secondary metabolism is limited. Psilocybe mushrooms require substantial l-tryptophan to synthesize psilocybin, which can account for up to 2% of dry mass during carpophore formation.
Objective
This study investigated whether l-tryptophan biosynthesis and degradation genes in Psilocybe mexicana correlate with natural product formation using genetic, transcriptomic, and biochemical approaches.
Results
Upregulation of tryptophan biosynthesis genes (trpE1, trpD, trpB) and downregulation of tryptophan-consuming genes (idoA, iasA) were observed in carpophores. IasA was characterized as the first microbial l-tryptophan-preferring indole-3-acetaldehyde synthase. Species-specific differences in tryptophan metabolism regulation were found between P. mexicana and P. cubensis despite their close relationship.
Conclusion
The coordinated upregulation of tryptophan biosynthesis genes and downregulation of catabolic genes reflects a well-adjusted cellular system routing l-tryptophan toward psilocybin production, providing first insights into coordination of mushroom primary and secondary metabolism.
- Published in:Fungal Biology and Biotechnology,
- Study Type:Experimental Research,
- Source: 10.1186/s40694-024-00173-6; PMID: 38664850