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Genome-wide Characterization and Metabolite Profiling of Cyathus olla: Insights into the Biosynthesis of Medicinal Compounds

Summary

This research provides the first detailed genetic blueprint of Cyathus olla, a medicinal mushroom shaped like a bird’s nest. The study reveals how this fungus produces various compounds that could be beneficial for human health. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps develop new medicines from natural sources • Advances our understanding of how medicinal mushrooms produce beneficial compounds • Could lead to more efficient production of natural therapeutic compounds • May help develop better treatments for neurodegenerative diseases • Could contribute to the development of new antimicrobial treatments

Background

Cyathus olla, belonging to the genus Cyathus within the order Agaricales, is renowned for its bird’s nest-like fruiting bodies and has been utilized in folk medicine. Despite its medicinal importance, its genome remains poorly understood, limiting our knowledge of its biosynthetic potential and evolutionary history.

Objective

To investigate genomic diversity within the genus Cyathus and elucidate biosynthetic pathways for medicinal compounds through generating and analyzing a high-quality genome assembly of C. olla.

Results

The study produced a 47.83 Mb genome assembly with fourteen chromosomes containing 14,248 protein-coding genes. Analysis revealed variations in genomes and functional genes within Cyathus species. The researchers identified 32 BGCs containing 41 core genes involved in bioactive metabolite production. They also discovered and characterized the biosynthetic gene cluster for cyathane diterpenes and identified 13 monomeric cyathane diterpene compounds.

Conclusion

This high-quality reference genome provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity of Cyathus species and the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds. The findings establish a fundamental basis for future investigations into the genetic basis of chemodiversity in this significant medicinal fungus and will accelerate research into the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds in Cyathus.
  • Published in:BMC Genomics,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12864-024-10528-3
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