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The Kinome of Edible and Medicinal Fungus Wolfiporia cocos

Summary

This research examined the genetic regulation of growth and development in Wolfiporia cocos, an important medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine. The study identified and analyzed key regulatory genes called protein kinases that control how the fungus grows and forms medicinal structures called sclerotia. Understanding these genetic controls could help improve cultivation of this valuable medicinal fungus. Impacts on everyday life: – Could lead to better production methods for this widely-used traditional medicine – May help reduce the environmental impact of harvesting pine trees needed for cultivation – Could enable development of improved medicinal compounds from the fungus – Provides foundation for genetic engineering to enhance beneficial properties – May help make traditional Chinese medicines more accessible and affordable

Background

Wolfiporia cocos is an edible and medicinal fungus that grows in association with pine trees. Its dried sclerotium, known as Fuling in China, has been used as a traditional medicine in East Asian countries for centuries. Nearly 10% of traditional Chinese medicinal preparations contain W. cocos. Commercial production is currently limited by lack of pine-based substrate and limited knowledge of sclerotial development.

Objective

To analyze the kinome of W. cocos by identifying protein kinase genes, studying transcript profiles and assigning kinases to orthologous groups to better understand the regulatory mechanisms of sclerotial development.

Results

103 putative protein kinases were identified in the W. cocos genome, including 11 atypical kinases and members of the AGC, CAMK, CK, CMGC, STE and TLK Groups. Expression analysis revealed several kinases with differential expression between mycelium and sclerotial stages. Key kinases involved in sclerotial formation were identified, including upregulated TPK2, HOG1, FUS3, SLT2, STE11 and STE7.

Conclusion

This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the W. cocos kinome and suggests potential roles of protein kinases in sclerotial development and other physiological processes. The findings provide novel insights into W. cocos biology and identify target genes for potential genetic engineering to improve sclerotial yield.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01495
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