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Mitochondrial Effects on the Physiological Characteristics of Lentinula edodes
Minseek Kim1,2, Seong-Hyeok Yang1, Hui-Gang Han1
1Department of Biomedical Bigdata (BK4 Plus) and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
In the mating of filamentous basidiomycetes, dikaryotic mycelia are generated through the reciprocal movement of nuclei to a monokaryotic cytoplasm where a nucleus of compatible mating type resides, resulting in the establishment of two different dikaryotic strains having the same nuclei but different mitochondria. To better understand the role of mitochondria in mushrooms, we created four sets of dikaryotic strains of Lentinula edodes, including B2 × E13 (B2 side) and B2 × E13 (E13 side), B5 × E13 (B5 side) and B5 × E13 (E13 side), E8 × H3 (E8 side) and E8 × H3 (H3 side), and K3 × H3 (K3 side) and K3 × H3 (H3 side). The karyotypes and mitochondrial types of the dikaryotic strains were successfully identified by the A mating type markers and the mitochondrial variable length tandem repeat markers, respectively. Comparative analyses of the dikaryotic strains on the mycelial growth, substrate browning, fruiting characteristics, and mitochondrial gene expression revealed that certain mitochondria are more effective in the mycelial growth and the production of fruiting body, possibly through the activated energy metabolism. Our findings indicate that mitochondria affect the physiology of dikaryotic strains having the same nuclear information and therefore a selection strategy aimed at mitochondrial function is needed in the development of new mushroom strain.
Insights
Mitochondria significantly influence mushroom physiology, impacting growth and fruiting, even with identical nuclei. This highlights the need to select for mitochondrial function when developing new mushroom strains.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Dikaryotic mycelia in filamentous basidiomycetes arise from nuclear exchange between compatible mating types.
- This process results in strains with identical nuclei but distinct mitochondrial origins, offering a unique model to study mitochondrial influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mitochondria in the physiology of dikaryotic strains of *Lentinula edodes*.
- To determine if mitochondria impact mycelial growth, substrate browning, and fruiting characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Creation of four sets of dikaryotic *Lentinula edodes* strains, each with reciprocal mitochondrial origins.
- Identification of karyotypes using *A* mating type markers and mitochondrial types via variable length tandem repeat markers.
- Comparative analysis of physiological traits including mycelial growth, substrate browning, and fruiting.
Main Results:
- Successful generation and identification of dikaryotic strains with distinct nuclear and mitochondrial compositions.
- Demonstrated that certain mitochondria enhance mycelial growth and fruiting body production.
- Evidence suggests activated energy metabolism as a potential mechanism for improved mitochondrial function.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondria play a crucial role in the physiological characteristics of dikaryotic mushrooms, independent of nuclear genetic information.
- Selection strategies for mushroom breeding should consider mitochondrial function to optimize strain development.
- Understanding mitochondrial contributions is key to advancing mushroom cultivation and breeding programs.
