Research Keyword: RT-qPCR

Influences of substrate and tissue type on erinacine production and biosynthetic gene expression in Hericium erinaceus

This study examined how different growing conditions and tissue types affect erinacine production in lion’s mane mushrooms. Researchers found that mycelium (the fungal threads) produced far more erinacines than fruit bodies, and that the type of growth medium significantly influenced which erinacines were produced. Interestingly, changes in erinacine production weren’t always reflected in gene activity levels, suggesting other cellular mechanisms control these beneficial compounds.

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Enhancement and Mechanism of Ergosterol Biosynthesis in Termite Ball Fungus Athelia termitophila by Methyl Jasmonate

Scientists studied how to increase ergosterol production in termite ball fungus, a medicinal fungus used in traditional medicine. By adding methyl jasmonate, a natural signaling molecule, they more than doubled ergosterol content. Ergosterol is used to make vitamin D2 and certain medications for inflammation and cancer. The study identified which genes need to be activated for better ergosterol production, providing insights for creating more effective medical products from fungi.

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Tolerance and antioxidant response to heavy metals are differentially activated in Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma longibrachiatum

This research examined how two types of fungi called Trichoderma respond to contamination from heavy metals like copper, lead, and chromium. The study found that one species (T. longibrachiatum) is better at surviving heavy metal exposure than the other. Both species activate defensive mechanisms to combat the toxic effects, including producing protective proteins and enzymes that neutralize harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species.

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Influences of substrate and tissue type on erinacine production and biosynthetic gene expression in Hericium erinaceus

Researchers studied how different growing conditions affect erinacine production in lion’s mane mushroom mycelium. They found that the type of nutrients provided (substrate) significantly influences which erinacines are produced, even when the genes responsible for making these compounds show similar activity levels. Mycelium produced much more erinacines than fruit bodies, and specific nutrients could be used to encourage production of specific beneficial compounds.

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Comparative gene expression analysis in closely related dermatophytes reveals secondary metabolism as a candidate driver of virulence

A strain of fungal skin pathogen (Trichophyton benhamiae var. luteum) is spreading rapidly among guinea pigs and people in Europe, but scientists didn’t understand why it was more contagious than closely related strains. Researchers compared gene activity in four related fungal species and found that the epidemic strain produces higher levels of toxic compounds called secondary metabolites. These compounds help the fungus escape the body’s immune system and cause infection more effectively than in less dangerous relatives.

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