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RNA-Editing in Basidiomycota, Revisited

Summary

This research challenges previous findings about RNA editing in fungi, specifically in a group called Basidiomycota. The study shows that what was thought to be RNA editing was actually due to technical errors in genome analysis or differences between fungal samples. This has important implications for understanding how fungi regulate their genes. Impacts on everyday life: • Improves our understanding of how fungi process genetic information • Helps scientists avoid errors in future genetic studies of fungi • Contributes to better methods for analyzing genetic data • May influence how we study fungi used in medicine and industry • Demonstrates the importance of careful verification in scientific research

Background

RNA editing, particularly adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing, has been observed during sexual development and fruiting body formation in filamentous ascomycetes. Previous studies reported RNA editing events in Basidiomycota species, specifically in Ganoderma lucidum and five other Polyporales species, showing different patterns from typical A-to-I editing.

Objective

To reassess and validate previously reported RNA-editing events in five species of Polyporales and extend analysis to Coprinopsis cinerea, while accounting for potential genome assembly artifacts and isolate variations.

Results

The analysis revealed that the majority of previously reported RNA-editing sites (60.68-98.31%) showed matching RNA and DNA polymorphisms and were actually artifacts caused by genome misassemblies or variations between different isolates. After filtering, only four sites across four species remained, which could be explained by differences in isolates used for genome sequencing and transcriptomics studies. No evidence of RNA editing was found during vegetative growth in the five Polyporales species or during sexual development in C. cinerea.

Conclusion

After reevaluation of available genomes and transcriptomes, no evidence of RNA-editing was found in Basidiomycota. Previously reported sites were determined to be artifacts from genome misassemblies or variations between different isolates used for DNA and RNA extraction.
  • Published in:ISME Communications,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1038/s43705-021-00037-9
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