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A methyltransferase LaeA regulates ganoderic acid biosynthesis in Ganoderma lingzhi
Qin Luo1, Na Li2, Jun-Wei Xu1
1Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|October 31, 2022
Summary
The methyltransferase LaeA is crucial for producing ganoderic acids in Ganoderma lingzhi. Deleting LaeA reduces ganoderic acid levels, while overexpressing it increases them, highlighting LaeA's regulatory role.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Fungal Genetics
Background:
- LaeA is a known regulator of secondary metabolite biosynthesis in ascomycete fungi.
- Its regulatory role in basidiomycete fungi, including Ganoderma lingzhi, remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the methyltransferase LaeA in Ganoderma lingzhi.
- To evaluate LaeA's role in regulating the biosynthesis of anti-tumor ganoderic acids.
Main Methods:
- Identification and deletion (ΔlaeA) of the laeA gene in Ganoderma lingzhi.
- Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze gene transcription levels.
- Analysis of ganoderic acid concentration, intermediate accumulation, and asexual spore abundance.
Main Results:
- Deletion of laeA significantly reduced ganoderic acid concentration and the transcription of related biosynthesis genes.
- The ΔlaeA strain showed decreased accumulation of intermediates and fewer asexual spores.
- Constitutive overexpression of laeA led to increased ganoderic acid concentration.
Conclusions:
- LaeA plays an essential regulatory role in ganoderic acid biosynthesis in Ganoderma lingzhi.
- LaeA influences both the production of secondary metabolites and fungal development (asexual sporulation).
- This study elucidates LaeA's function in basidiomycete fungi, expanding knowledge beyond ascomycetes.
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