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Insights into the Classical Genetics of Clitopilus passeckerianus – The Pleuromutilin Producing Mushroom

Summary

This research explores ways to improve the production of pleuromutilin, an important antibiotic, by studying the genetics of the mushroom that produces it. The findings show that traditional breeding methods combined with modern genetic techniques could help create better antibiotic-producing strains. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to more affordable antibiotics for treating bacterial infections • Provides new options for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections • Demonstrates potential for improving natural antibiotic production • Could help reduce costs of veterinary medicines • Shows promise for developing new medical treatments through fungal research

Background

Clitopilus passeckerianus is the fungal species responsible for producing pleuromutilin, a diterpene antibiotic gaining commercial interest. Pleuromutilin derivatives are used in veterinary medicine and human therapeutics, with potential applications against multi-drug resistant bacteria. However, antibiotic production is constrained by low titers typically obtained from isolates.

Objective

To investigate the possibility of using classical breeding techniques coupled with genetic manipulation as a means to develop improved pleuromutilin-producing fungal strains. The study aimed to characterize the basic biology, genetics and lifecycle of C. passeckerianus to enable strain improvement.

Results

The study showed that C. passeckerianus can fruit under laboratory conditions, producing viable haploid meiotic basidiospores. The progeny displayed characteristics of a tetrapolar mating system. Monokaryotic haploid lines were capable of producing pleuromutilin and were amenable to genetic manipulation. The researchers identified and characterized both homeodomain and pheromone/receptor mating-type loci typical of tetrapolar basidiomycetes.

Conclusion

The basic requirements for classical breeding approaches are present in C. passeckerianus and the tools required for directed genetic engineering on haploid strains are available. This demonstrates that strain improvement through both traditional breeding and molecular approaches may be feasible in this fungus.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01056
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