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Whole Genome and Global Gene Expression Analyses of the Model Mushroom Flammulina velutipes Reveal a High Capacity for Lignocellulose Degradation

Summary

This research decoded the complete genetic blueprint of the winter mushroom (Flammulina velutipes), revealing how this fungus can both produce edible mushrooms and break down wood to potentially make biofuel. The study shows that this organism has an impressive array of genes for breaking down plant material and converting it to ethanol, while also controlling mushroom development. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to more efficient and sustainable biofuel production from plant waste • May improve commercial mushroom cultivation techniques and yields • Provides insights for developing better wood-degrading products and processes • Could help reduce dependence on fossil fuels through better bioethanol production • May lead to new applications in biotechnology and waste management

Background

Flammulina velutipes is a fungus with health and medicinal benefits that has been used for consumption and cultivation in East Asia. It is also known to degrade lignocellulose and produce ethanol. The overlapping interests of mushroom production and wood bioconversion make F. velutipes an attractive new model for fungal wood related studies.

Objective

To sequence and analyze the complete genome of F. velutipes, the first sequenced genome for a commercially produced edible mushroom that also degrades wood. The study aimed to characterize its wood-degrading machinery and gene expression patterns during different developmental stages.

Results

The 35.6-Mb genome contained 12,218 predicted protein-encoding genes and 287 tRNA genes assembled into 11 scaffolds corresponding to 11 chromosomes. The genome revealed well-developed wood degrading machinery with 69 auxiliary activities for lignin degradation and 392 CAZymes for carbohydrate degradation. Additionally, 58 alcohol dehydrogenase genes were identified. RNA-seq analysis showed stage-specific gene expression patterns during development.

Conclusion

The F. velutipes genome provides valuable insights into both mushroom development and lignocellulose degradation capabilities. The sequential nature of wood degradation and extensive range of alcohol-converting enzymes make it a promising candidate for consolidated bioprocessing in bioethanol production. The genome sequence will facilitate genetic studies and improvement of this commercially important mushroom species.
  • Published in:PLOS One,
  • Study Type:Genome Sequencing and Expression Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093560
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