Induction of LCC2 Expression and Activity by Agaricus bisporus Provides Defence Against Trichoderma aggressivum Toxic Extracts
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2015-03-30
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Summary
This research investigates how button mushrooms defend themselves against a harmful mold that causes significant crop losses in mushroom farms. The study found that resistant mushroom strains produce higher levels of protective enzymes called laccases that can break down toxic compounds produced by the mold. This understanding could lead to better disease control in mushroom cultivation.
Impacts on everyday life:
– Could help develop more resistant mushroom varieties for farming
– May lead to improved mushroom crop yields and food security
– Could reduce the need for chemical fungicides in mushroom production
– May lower costs for mushroom growers and consumers
– Demonstrates natural defense mechanisms that could be applied to other crop protection strategies
Background
Interactions between fungal species are common in ecosystems where species compete for resources and space. Competition often involves mycoparasitism, toxin production, and cell wall degrading enzymes. Trichoderma aggressivum produces toxins that inhibit the growth of Agaricus bisporus (button mushroom), causing significant crop losses worldwide through green mould disease.
Objective
To investigate the role of laccase enzymes in A. bisporus’ defense response against T. aggressivum toxins by examining laccase activity and gene expression patterns in resistant versus sensitive strains.
Results
The resistant SB65 strain showed higher basal levels and greater laccase enzymatic activity after toxin exposure compared to the sensitive U1 strain. Pre-treatment of T. aggressivum extract with laccases reduced its toxicity. The lcc2 gene showed faster induction and higher transcript levels in the resistant strain, correlating with increased laccase activity. No correlation was found between resistance and lcc1 transcription. siRNA transformants showed varying levels of gene knockdown, with a strong negative correlation between transcript abundance and sensitivity to the toxic extract.
Conclusion
Laccase activity, particularly that encoded by the lcc2 gene, contributes significantly to toxin metabolism and resistance to green mould disease in A. bisporus. The resistant strain’s higher basal laccase levels and faster gene induction response appear to provide enhanced defense against T. aggressivum toxins.
- Published in:Microbial Biotechnology,
- Study Type:Laboratory Research,
- Source: 10.1111/1751-7915.12277