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Identification of Critical Candidate Genes Controlling Monokaryon Fruiting in Flammulina filiformis Using Genetic Population Construction and Bulked Segregant Analysis Sequencing

Summary

Scientists studied enoki mushrooms to understand how they form fruiting bodies (the edible mushroom part). They created special genetic populations and used advanced DNA sequencing to find a key gene that controls whether mushroom strains can produce fruiting bodies. This discovery helps explain how mushrooms develop and could lead to better ways to grow edible mushrooms commercially.

Background

Fruiting body formation in edible fungi is critical for both scientific understanding and industrial cultivation, yet the underlying genetic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Monokaryotic fruiting, where single-chromosome strains form fruiting bodies without mating, occurs in over 30 basidiomycete species and provides a unique approach for studying developmental genetics. This study utilizes Flammulina filiformis, an ideal model organism with well-characterized life cycles and monokaryotic fruiting capability.

Objective

This study aimed to identify key genes regulating monokaryotic fruiting in Flammulina filiformis through genetic population construction and bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq). The research focused on mapping candidate genes controlling the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth in fruiting body formation.

Results

A 10 kb genomic region on scaffold19 was identified, pinpointing the gene FV-L110034160 encoding a U2 snRNP complex component involved in pre-mRNA splicing. A T→G SNP located 121 bp downstream of the ATG codon caused a serine-to-alanine substitution that disrupted a conserved domain and altered fruiting phenotypes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed conservation of this gene across fungal genera, and PCR validation confirmed complete genotype-phenotype correlation.

Conclusion

This study successfully identified FV-L110034160 as a key regulatory gene controlling monokaryotic fruiting in F. filiformis through an efficient mapping pipeline. The findings elucidate molecular mechanisms of fruiting body formation and provide methodological frameworks for studying similar mechanisms in other edible fungi. The research establishes a foundation for genetic improvement and sustainable cultivation practices in the edible mushroom industry.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Genetic Mapping Study,
  • Source: PMC12295547, PMID: 40985444, DOI: 10.3390/jof11070512
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