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Updated: May 5, 2026

Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 3
Published on: April 13, 2009
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Effect of Oyster Mushroom Spherical Virus Infection in Pleurotus ostreatus
Yifan Wang1, Junjie Yan1, Guoyue Song1
1School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
Abstract:
Oyster mushroom spherical virus (OMSV) is a mycovirus that inhibits mycelial growth, induces malformation symptoms, and decreases the yield of fruiting bodies in Pleurotus ostreatus. However, the pathogenic mechanism of OMSV infection in P. ostreatus is poorly understood. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was conducted, identifying 354 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the mycelium of P. ostreatus during OMSV infection. Verifying the RNA-seq data through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction on 15 DEGs confirmed the consistency of gene expression trends. Both Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses highlighted the pivotal role of primary metabolic pathways in OMSV infection. Additionally, significant changes were noted in the gene expression levels of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), which are crucial for providing the carbohydrates needed for fungal growth, development, and reproduction by degrading renewable lignocellulose. The activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, laccase, and amylase decreased, whereas chitinase activity increased, suggesting a potential mechanism by which OMSV influenced mycelial growth through modulating CAZyme activities. Therefore, this study provided insights into the pathogenic mechanisms triggered by OMSV in P. ostreatus.
Insights
Oyster mushroom spherical virus (OMSV) impairs mushroom growth by altering gene expression. This study reveals OMSV impacts primary metabolism and carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) activity in Pleurotus ostreatus.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Oyster mushroom spherical virus (OMSV) negatively affects Pleurotus ostreatus growth and yield.
- The precise pathogenic mechanisms of OMSV infection in P. ostreatus remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying OMSV pathogenicity in P. ostreatus.
- To identify key genes and pathways affected by OMSV infection.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to analyze gene expression profiles in OMSV-infected P. ostreatus mycelia.
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate RNA-seq findings for selected differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
- Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- 354 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in infected mycelia.
- Primary metabolic pathways were significantly altered during OMSV infection.
- Carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) gene expression and activity were modulated, with decreased cellulase, laccase, and amylase activities and increased chitinase activity.
Conclusions:
- OMSV infection significantly impacts P. ostreatus primary metabolism and carbohydrate utilization.
- Modulation of CAZyme activities represents a potential mechanism for OMSV-induced growth inhibition.
- This research provides critical insights into the pathogenic strategies of OMSV in P. ostreatus.

