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Whole-Genome and Transcriptome Sequencing of Phlebopus portentosus Reveals Its Associated Ectomycorrhizal Niche and Conserved Pathways Involved in Fruiting Body Development

Summary

This research analyzed the genetic makeup and gene activity of an edible mushroom called Phlebopus portentosus at different growth stages. The study helps explain how this commercially valuable mushroom develops and obtains nutrients, which is important for improving its cultivation. Impacts on everyday life: – Improved understanding could lead to better mushroom cultivation techniques and higher yields – May help develop more efficient methods for commercial mushroom production – Could contribute to making this nutritious food more widely available – Provides insights that may help cultivate other valuable mushroom species – Advances our knowledge of how beneficial fungi interact with plants in nature

Background

Phlebopus portentosus is an edible ectomycorrhizal mushroom widely consumed in China and Thailand, and is the first species in Boletaceae to be industrially cultivated at large scale. However, its lignocellulose degradation system and molecular basis of fruiting body development remained poorly understood.

Objective

To better understand the molecular mechanisms of lignocellulose degradation and fruiting body development through whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing of P. portentosus at different developmental stages.

Results

A 32.74 Mb genome with 48.92% GC content across 62 scaffolds was obtained, with 9,464 predicted genes. The number of plant cell wall-degrading enzyme genes was much lower than saprophytic mushrooms. Principal component analysis revealed distinct gene expression profiles at all three developmental stages. Low expression of plant cell wall-degrading genes confirmed limited lignocellulose degradation ability. Conserved and specific pathways were enriched in different developmental stages – starch/sucrose metabolism in mycelium stage, while DNA replication, proteasome and MAPK signaling pathways were associated with maturation.

Conclusion

The genomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed P. portentosus has limited lignocellulose-degrading capability characteristic of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Key pathways and genes involved in different developmental stages were identified, providing new insights into fruiting body development mechanisms in this commercially important mushroom species.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.732458
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