Genome-wide Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis on Different Developmental Stages of Cordyceps militaris
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2012-12-14
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Summary
This research examined the molecular differences between two growth stages of the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The study provides important insights into how this beneficial fungus develops and produces its medicinal compounds. Impact on everyday life:
– Helps optimize cultivation methods for producing medicinal mushroom supplements
– Advances understanding of how to increase production of cordycepin, an anticancer compound
– Supports development of more effective and affordable medicinal mushroom products
– Provides scientific basis for traditional medicinal mushroom use
– Could lead to new therapeutic applications in cancer and immune disorders
Background
Cordyceps militaris is an ascomycete caterpillar fungus traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. While artificial cultivation can now meet market demands, systematic molecular studies comparing developmental stages at transcriptional and translational levels have been limited.
Objective
To analyze and compare the transcriptomes and proteomes of C. militaris mycelium and fruiting body stages to better understand their developmental and molecular differences.
Results
2,712 genes were differentially expressed between stages, with 2,113 up-regulated in mycelium and 599 in fruiting body. 359 and 214 non-redundant proteins were detected in mycelium and fruiting body respectively. Functional annotations revealed intracellular nucleotide binding, metabolism and transcriptional regulation were more active in mycelium while carbohydrate metabolism and signal transduction were more active in fruiting body. The putative cordycepin metabolism pathway appeared more active in mycelium.
Conclusion
The study revealed significant molecular differences between mycelium and fruiting body stages of artificially cultivated C. militaris through comprehensive transcriptome and proteome analysis. The findings provide valuable resources for understanding C. militaris development and medicinal properties, particularly regarding cordycepin production pathways.
- Published in:PLoS One,
- Study Type:Genomic and Proteomic Analysis,
- Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051853