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Saprotrophic Wood Decay Ability and Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzyme System of the White Rot Fungus Crucibulum laeve: Secretome, Metabolome and Genome Investigations

Summary

This study investigates how a forest fungus called Crucibulum laeve breaks down wood and plant material. Using specialized laboratory techniques, researchers found that this fungus uses a unique set of enzymes that work through oxidation (chemical breakdown using oxygen) rather than simple digestion. The fungus is particularly good at degrading birch wood and produces numerous copies of genes for these special enzymes, giving it an advantage in decomposing partially rotted plant material on the forest floor.

Background

White rot fungi (WRF) are the most efficient natural lignocellulose-decomposing organisms. While xylotrophic WRF of the order Polyporales have been extensively studied, WRF of the order Agaricales, particularly litter saprotrophs, remain less well understood despite their ecological importance in forest litter decomposition.

Objective

To characterize the saprotrophic wood-degrading abilities of Crucibulum laeve LE-BIN 1700 (Agaricales, Nidulariaceae) and analyze its plant cell wall degrading enzyme system through integrated secretomic, metabolomic, and genomic investigations.

Results

C. laeve demonstrated ability to grow on and degrade birch, alder, and pine sawdust with highest mass loss (23%) on birch. The fungus secreted predominantly oxidative enzymes including laccases (AA1_1), GMC oxidoreductases (AA3_2), FAD-oligosaccharide oxidase (AA7), and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMO X325), along with expansin-like proteins. Metabolomic analysis revealed monosaccharides and carboxylic acids as key metabolites.

Conclusion

C. laeve possesses a unique enzymatic repertoire optimized for degrading partially decomposed lignocellulose through oxidative mechanisms rather than classical hydrolytic cellulases. The presence of multiple LPMO genes and ability to catabolize aldonic acids confers ecological advantages for litter decomposition.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 39852439
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