Transcriptomic and Non-Targeted Metabolomic Analyses Reveal the Flavonoid Biosynthesis Pathway in Auricularia cornea

This research reveals how mushrooms can produce beneficial compounds called flavonoids, which are typically found in plants. The scientists discovered that adding plant extract to mushroom growth medium increased flavonoid production and mapped out the genetic pathway responsible for making these compounds. This has important implications for human health and nutrition. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to more nutritious mushroom products with enhanced health benefits • May enable development of new natural supplements with higher antioxidant content • Provides potential new ways to produce beneficial plant compounds using fungi • Could help make medicinal mushrooms more effective for treating various conditions • May lead to more sustainable production of beneficial compounds typically sourced from plants