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The complete mitochondrial genome of medicinal fungus Taiwanofungus camphoratus reveals gene rearrangements and intron dynamics of Polyporales

Summary

Scientists have decoded the complete genetic blueprint of the mitochondria in Taiwanofungus camphoratus, a highly valued medicinal mushroom from Taiwan. This fungus has been used in traditional medicine for treating inflammation, cancer, and liver diseases. By comparing its mitochondrial DNA with related fungal species, researchers discovered that this mushroom has a unique genetic arrangement and uncovered how genes have been rearranged during evolution. This discovery helps scientists better understand how this important medicinal fungus evolved and can improve its classification and medical applications.

Background

Taiwanofungus camphoratus is a highly valued medicinal mushroom endemic to Taiwan with significant market value exceeding $100 million annually. Despite its importance in traditional medicine and therapeutic applications, the mitochondrial genome of this species has not been previously characterized. Understanding fungal mitochondrial genomes is limited compared to animal counterparts, with fewer than 800 fungal mitogenomes available.

Objective

This study aimed to assemble and analyze the complete mitochondrial genome of T. camphoratus and compare it with other Polyporales species to understand gene rearrangements, intron dynamics, and phylogenetic relationships. The research also sought to investigate gene content variation, genome organization, and evolutionary patterns within the order Polyporales.

Results

The T. camphoratus mitogenome is 114,922 bp with 26.01% GC content and contains 15 core protein-coding genes, 24 introns, 27 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. Comparative analysis revealed large-scale gene rearrangements and unique gene order in T. camphoratus compared to other Polyporales. Phylogenetic analysis identified T. camphoratus as a sister species to Laetiporus sulphureus with high support values.

Conclusion

This first mitogenome characterization of Taiwanofungus camphoratus reveals significant intron dynamics and gene rearrangements in Polyporales evolution, supporting the use of combined mitochondrial genes as reliable molecular markers for fungal phylogenetics. The findings provide a foundation for understanding the taxonomy, phylogeny, and evolution of this important medicinal fungus and related species.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-020-73461-x, PMID: 33020532
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