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Haploid Genome Analysis Reveals a Tandem Cluster of Four HSP20 Genes Involved in the High-Temperature Adaptation of Coriolopsis trogii

Summary

This research investigated how a specific fungus, Coriolopsis trogii, can thrive at higher temperatures than most other mushroom-forming fungi. The scientists discovered that four special genes (HSP20 genes) help the fungus adapt to high temperatures. This understanding of how fungi adapt to heat has several practical implications: • Could help develop more heat-resistant mushroom strains for commercial cultivation • May lead to improved industrial processes that use fungi for breaking down plant materials • Provides insights for predicting how fungi might adapt to climate change • Could inform strategies for storing and preserving fungal-based products • May help in developing new biotechnology applications that require heat-stable fungi

Background

Coriolopsis trogii is a globally distributed white-rot basidiomycete fungus recognized for its ligninolytic enzymes, thermostable laccases, and pharmacological effects. Most mushroom-forming fungi are sensitive to temperatures above 25°C, but C. trogii has an optimal growth temperature of 35°C, making it an excellent model for studying fungal heat resistance and adaptation.

Objective

To investigate the molecular mechanisms of high-temperature adaptation in C. trogii through genome sequencing and comparative analysis of two monokaryons (Ct001_29 and Ct001_31) derived from strain Ct001, with particular focus on identifying and characterizing heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) genes involved in thermotolerance.

Results

The assembled genome of Ct001_29 was 38.85 Mb with 13,113 genes, while Ct001_31 was 40.19 Mb with 13,309 genes. Comparative analysis revealed extensive genetic diversity including over 315,194 SNPs, 30,387 indels, and 1,460 structural variations. A total of 14 allelic pairs of HSP20 genes were identified, with four tandem-duplicated pairs (HSP20.5 to HSP20.8) showing more than 5-fold higher expression at 35°C compared to 25°C. Allelic expression bias was observed in HSP20.5 and HSP20.8 genes.

Conclusion

The study revealed comprehensive genetic diversity in C. trogii and identified a conserved tandem cluster of four HSP20 genes showing allele-specific expression related to high-temperature adaptation. The findings provide insight into fungal thermotolerance mechanisms and could inform future strain selection and breeding strategies.
  • Published in:Microbiology Spectrum,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1128/spectrum.00287-21
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