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Variable Number Tandem Repeats in the Mitochondrial DNA of Lentinula edodes

Summary

This research examines genetic markers in the DNA of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) to better understand how genetic material is passed between different mushroom strains. The study discovered specific repeating DNA sequences that can be used to track inheritance patterns during mushroom breeding. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps improve mushroom breeding programs for better crop yields – Contributes to understanding how organisms pass on their genetic material – Enables better identification and tracking of mushroom strains – Aids in developing improved varieties of edible mushrooms – Advances our knowledge of cellular inheritance mechanisms

Background

Mitochondria play a key role in energy generation and cellular processes in eukaryotic organisms. In fungi, mitochondrial inheritance patterns vary between species. The filamentous basidiomycete Lentinula edodes shows unique mitochondrial inheritance patterns during mating between different strains, making it an interesting model system for studying mitochondrial DNA variation and inheritance.

Objective

To analyze variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) in the mitochondrial DNA of Lentinula edodes and understand their role in mitochondrial DNA variation and potential use as genetic markers. Additionally, to investigate nuclear and mitochondrial inheritance patterns during mating between dikaryotic and monokaryotic strains.

Results

The study identified 27 VNTRs in L. edodes mitochondrial DNA, categorized into two types: Type I containing symmetric distributions of two repeat unit types, and Type II containing direct tandem repeats. VNTR analysis revealed high variability between strains and occasional addition of new repeating units during DNA replication. In dikaryon-monokaryon mating, one nucleus from the dikaryon preferentially enters the monokaryotic cytoplasm while retaining the monokaryon’s mitochondria.

Conclusion

VNTRs in L. edodes mitochondrial DNA show high strain-dependent variability and can serve as effective markers for mitochondrial type verification. The study proposes a mechanism for VNTR elongation through repeated incorporation of basic repeat units. The findings demonstrate that in dikaryon-monokaryon mating, nuclear selection is non-random and the resulting dikaryon retains mitochondria from the monokaryon.
  • Published in:Genes (Basel),
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/genes10070542
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