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The First Whole Genome Sequence and Methylation Profile of Gerronema lapidescens QL01

Summary

Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of Lei Wan (Gerronema lapidescens), a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating parasitic infections and digestive problems. The research reveals the mushroom’s genetic blueprint, including genes responsible for producing beneficial compounds and adapting to rocky mountain environments. This foundational work aims to enable sustainable cultivation of this rare fungus and development of new medicinal treatments, addressing current conservation threats from over-harvesting.

Background

Gerronema lapidescens (Lei Wan) is a valued medicinal basidiomycete traditionally used in Chinese medicine for antiparasitic and digestive ailments. The species faces severe conservation threats due to unsustainable wild harvesting and lack of reliable cultivation protocols. This study addresses the absence of genomic resources for this important medicinal fungus.

Objective

To present the first chromosome-scale genome assembly and comprehensive methylome profile for the wild strain G. lapidescens QL01 domesticated from the Qinling Mountains. The research aims to elucidate the genetic architecture, epigenetic regulation, evolutionary history, and enzymatic toolkit to support future research on medicinal compound biosynthesis and sustainable cultivation.

Results

High-quality 82.23 Mb genome assembly anchored to 11 chromosomes with 98.4% BUSCO completeness. Annotation predicted 15,847 protein-coding genes with 81.12% functionally assigned. Identified 8.46 million SNPs and 3.25 million methylation events, with elevated densities on chromosomes 4, 9, and 10. CAZymes analysis identified 521 enzymes including 211 glycoside hydrolases and 67 biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites.

Conclusion

This foundational genomic resource elucidates G. lapidescens’s genetic architecture, epigenetic regulation, and evolutionary history. The comprehensive analysis of CAZymes, secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways, and SSR markers provides essential data to support future research on medicinal compound biosynthesis, germplasm conservation, and sustainable cultivation protocols.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Genomic Research Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41003193, DOI: 10.3390/jof11090647
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