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Early germline sequestration in a basidiomycete fungus
Markus Hiltunen Thorén1,2, Boel Olsson1, Peter Jan Vonk1
1Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 14, 2025
Summary
In the fungus Marasmius oreades, the germ line (spore-producing cells) separates early in development within the mycelium. This early separation results in fewer mutations in the germ line compared to sterile tissues.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
- Mycology
Background:
- Inheritance of new mutations depends on germline timing in sexual organisms.
- Fungi are generally assumed to have late germline separation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate germline definition timing in the fairy ring fungus Marasmius oreades.
- To challenge the assumption of late germline separation in Fungi.
Main Methods:
- Collected Marasmius oreades mushrooms over 7 years.
- Performed whole-genome sequencing on different tissues.
- Identified and compared new mutations in fertile and sterile tissues.
Main Results:
- Fertile and sterile tissues accumulated distinct mutations.
- The germ line, identified in fertile tissues, showed fewer mutations than sterile tissues.
- Indicated a lower mutation rate in the germ line.
Conclusions:
- The germ line in Marasmius oreades is defined early within the mycelium.
- Early germline sequestration may be more common in multicellular life than previously thought.
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