Comparative analysis of genome-wide transcriptional responses to continuous heat stress in Pleurotus tuoliensis
Researchers studied how oyster mushrooms respond to heat stress at the genetic level by analyzing which genes turn on and off when exposed to different temperatures. They found that at moderate heat (32°C), the mushrooms could maintain normal growth, but at severe heat (36°C), growth almost completely stopped. The study identified specific genes related to heat shock proteins and cell membrane composition that appear crucial for helping mushrooms survive heat, which could eventually help farmers grow heat-resistant mushroom varieties.