Journal of Fungi

Editorial

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4 pages, 211 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi

by Rui-Lin Zhao

J. Fungi 2023, 9(9), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9090908 - 7 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3218

Abstract

Macrofungi are well known as mushrooms, which belong mostly to Basidiomycota with a few from Ascomycota, and up to now, around 40,000 species have been described. In people’s lives, macrofungi are closely related to our economic activities, especially for food and medicine. “One [...] Read more.

Macrofungi are well known as mushrooms, which belong mostly to Basidiomycota with a few from Ascomycota, and up to now, around 40,000 species have been described. In people’s lives, macrofungi are closely related to our economic activities, especially for food and medicine. “One meat, one vegetable and one mushroom” has become a healthy and fashionable dietary structure, and the global edible mushroom production and cultivating area are steadily rising. On the other hand, a large number of mushroom species and new active components have been found, and have become one of the driving forces of innovation of drugs and health products, especially with the development of biochemistry, enzyme engineering, and genetic engineering. Thus, macrofungi in food, medicine, and other aspects have shown a broad prospect. In this Special Issue, research on new species and related molecular phylogenies, mechanisms of hyphae polar growing and basidiocarp formation, biochemistry of edible and medical mushrooms, and some important scientific questions related to the edible mushroom industry are presented, which also reflect the hot areas of common concern on edible and medicinal fungi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

Research

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13 pages, 3428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Multiple Nucleotide Polymorphism Molecular Markers for Enoki Mushroom (Flammulina filiformis) Cultivars Identification

by Fei Liu, Shi-Hui Wang, Ding-Hong Jia, Hao Tan, Bo Wang and Rui-Lin Zhao

J. Fungi 2023, 9(3), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9030330 - 7 Mar 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2726

Abstract

The enoki mushroom (Flammulina filiformis) is one of the most important and popular edible mushrooms commercially in China. However, traditional mushroom cultivar identification is challenging due to poor accuracy, heavy workloads, and low reproducibility. To overcome this challenge, we developed a [...] Read more.

The enoki mushroom (Flammulina filiformis) is one of the most important and popular edible mushrooms commercially in China. However, traditional mushroom cultivar identification is challenging due to poor accuracy, heavy workloads, and low reproducibility. To overcome this challenge, we developed a method for identifying F. filiformis strains using multiple nucleotide polymorphism sequencing (MNP-seq). This involved screening 179 universal MNP markers based on whole-genome sequencing data, constructing an MNP sequence library, and performing multiplex PCR amplification and high-sequencing. We further screened 69 core MNP markers and used them to build a neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree of 232 cultivated and wild strains. Our analysis showed that all cultivars could be accurately separated by computing genetic similarity values and that the cultivars could be separated into 22 distinct evolutionary pedigrees. The specific value of genetic similarity can be used as the standard to distinguish F. filiformis cultivars, however, it needs to be comprehensively defined by the additional phenotype and biological characteristics of those strains in the future work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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31 pages, 17062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Four New Species of Russula Subsection Sardoninae from China

by Guo-Jie Li, Tie-Zhi Liu, Shou-Mian Li, Shi-Yi Zhao, Cai-Yun Niu, Zhen-Zhen Liu, Xue-Jiao Xie, Xu Zhang, Lu-Yao Shi, Yao-Bin Guo, Ke Wang, Bin Cao, Rui-Lin Zhao, Ming Li, Chun-Ying Deng and Tie-Zheng Wei

J. Fungi 2023, 9(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9020199 - 3 Feb 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3071

Abstract

Four new species of Russula subsection Sardoninae from northern and southwestern China under coniferous and deciduous trees are proposed as R. begonia, R. photinia, R. rhodochroa, and R. rufa. Illustrations and descriptions of R. gracillima, R. leucomarginata, [...] Read more.

Four new species of Russula subsection Sardoninae from northern and southwestern China under coniferous and deciduous trees are proposed as R. begonia, R. photinia, R. rhodochroa, and R. rufa. Illustrations and descriptions of R. gracillima, R. leucomarginata, R. roseola, and the above four new species are provided based on evidence of morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), as well as the multi-locus of mtSSU, nLSU, rpb1, rpb2 and tef1-α. The relationships between these new species and allied taxa are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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15 pages, 3195 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heterogeneous Distribution of Phospholipid Molecular Species in the Surface Culture of Flammulina velutipes: New Facts about Lipids Containing α-Linolenic Fatty Acid

by Svetlana V. Senik, Bairta S. Manzhieva, Liliya G. Maloshenok, Evgeny B. Serebryakov, Sergey A. Bruskin and Ekaterina R. Kotlova

J. Fungi 2023, 9(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9010102 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2288

Abstract

Mycelial fungi grow as colonies consisting of polar growing hyphae, developing radially from spore or inoculum. Over time, the colony develops, hyphae are subject to various exogenous or endogenous stimuli, and mycelium becomes heterogeneous in growth, gene expression, biosynthesis, and secretion of proteins [...] Read more.

Mycelial fungi grow as colonies consisting of polar growing hyphae, developing radially from spore or inoculum. Over time, the colony develops, hyphae are subject to various exogenous or endogenous stimuli, and mycelium becomes heterogeneous in growth, gene expression, biosynthesis, and secretion of proteins and metabolites. Although the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of mycelium heterogeneity have been the subject of many studies, the role of lipids in colony development and zonality is still not understood. This work was undertaken to extend our knowledge of mycelium heterogeneity and to answer the question of how different lipid molecular species are distributed in the surface colony of the basidial fungus Flammulina velutipes and how this distribution correlates with its morphology. The heterogeneity in the lipid metabolism and lipid composition of the fungal mycelium was demonstrated. According to the real-time PCR and LC-MS/MS results, the expression of genes of PC metabolism, accumulation of phospholipid classes, and degree of unsaturation of PC and PE increased in the direction from the center to the periphery of the colony. The peripheral zone of the colony was characterized by a higher value of the PC/PE ratio and a higher level of phospholipids esterified by linolenic acid. Considering that the synthesis of phospholipids in fungi occurs in different ways, we also conducted experiments with deuterium-labeled phospholipid precursors and found out that the Kennedy pathway is the predominant route for PC biosynthesis in F. velutipes. The zonal differences in gene expression and lipid composition can be explained by the participation of membrane lipids in polar growth maintenance and regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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20 pages, 6819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogenetic Analyses of Hydnobolites and New Species from China

by Shan-Ping Wan, Lan-Lan Huang, Meng-Jin Cui, Cheng-Jin Yu, Wei Liu, Rui Wang, Xiao-Fei Shi and Fu-Qiang Yu

J. Fungi 2022, 8(12), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8121302 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1737

Abstract

Hydnobolites is an ectomycorrhizal fungal genus with hypogeous ascomata in the family Pezizaceae (Pezizales). Molecular analyses of Hydnobolites using both single (ITS) and concatenated gene datasets (ITS-nLSU) showed a total of 223 sequences, including 92 newly gained sequences from Chinese specimens. [...] Read more.

Hydnobolites is an ectomycorrhizal fungal genus with hypogeous ascomata in the family Pezizaceae (Pezizales). Molecular analyses of Hydnobolites using both single (ITS) and concatenated gene datasets (ITS-nLSU) showed a total of 223 sequences, including 92 newly gained sequences from Chinese specimens. Phylogenetic results based on these two datasets revealed seven distinct phylogenetic clades. Among them, the ITS phylogenetic tree confirmed the presence of at least 42 phylogenetic species in Hydnobolites. Combined the morphological observations with molecular analyses, five new species of Hydnobolites translucidus sp. nov., H. subrufus sp. nov., H. lini sp. nov., H. sichuanensis sp. nov. and H. tenuiperidius sp. nov., and one new record species of H. cerebriformis Tul., were illustrated from Southwest China. Macro- and micro-morphological analyses of ascomata revealed a few, but diagnostic differences between the H. cerebriformis complex, while the similarities of the ITS sequences ranged from 94.4 to 97.2% resulting in well-supported clades. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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16 pages, 1425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Essential Mineral Content (Fe, Mg, P, Mn, K, Ca, and Na) in Five Wild Edible Species of Lactarius Mushrooms from Southern Spain and Northern Morocco: Reference to Daily Intake

by Alejandro R. López, Marta Barea-Sepúlveda, Gerardo F. Barbero, Marta Ferreiro-González, José Gerardo López-Castillo, Miguel Palma and Estrella Espada-Bellido

J. Fungi 2022, 8(12), 1292; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8121292 - 10 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2484

Abstract

Mushroom consumption has increased in recent years due to their beneficial properties to the proper functioning of the body. Within this framework, the high potential of mushrooms as a source of essential elements has been reported. Therefore, the present study aims to determine [...] Read more.

Mushroom consumption has increased in recent years due to their beneficial properties to the proper functioning of the body. Within this framework, the high potential of mushrooms as a source of essential elements has been reported. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the mineral content of seven essential metals, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, K, Ca, and Na, in twenty samples of mushrooms of the genus Lactarius collected from various locations in southern Spain and northern Morocco, by FAAS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and ICP-OES after acid digestion. Statistics showed that K was the macronutrient found at the highest levels in all mushrooms studied. ANOVA showed that there were statistically significant differences among the species for K, P, and Na. The multivariate study suggested that there were differences between the accumulation of the elements according to the geographic location and species. Furthermore, the intake of 300 g of fresh mushrooms of each sample covers a high percentage of the RDI, but does not meet the recommended daily intake (RDI) for any of the metals studied, except for Fe. Even considering these benefits, the consumption of mushrooms should be moderated due to the presence of toxic metals, which may pose health risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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33 pages, 15116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological Characteristics and Phylogeny Reveal Six New Species in Russula Subgenus Russula (Russulaceae, Russulales) from Yanshan Mountains, North China

by Hao Zhou, Gui-Qiang Cheng, Qiu-Tong Wang, Mei-Jun Guo, Lan Zhuo, Hui-Fang Yan, Guo-Jie Li and Cheng-Lin Hou

J. Fungi 2022, 8(12), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8121283 - 7 Dec 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2946

Abstract

Species of the genus Russula are key components of ectomycorrhizal ecosystems worldwide, some of which are famous edible fungi. Although many new species have been described in China, their diversity in North China is still poorly known. Based on the morphology observation of [...] Read more.

Species of the genus Russula are key components of ectomycorrhizal ecosystems worldwide, some of which are famous edible fungi. Although many new species have been described in China, their diversity in North China is still poorly known. Based on the morphology observation of specimens and molecular phylogenetic analyses, combined with the current classification frame of Russula, six new species of Russula subgenus Russula are proposed from the Yanshan Mountains in northern Beijing and northern Hebei Province of China in this study: viz. Russula miyunensis (subsection Chamaeleontinae), R. plana (subsection Chamaeleontinae), R. sinoparva (subsection Puellarinae), R. sinorobusta (subsection Puellarinae), R. subversatilis (subsection Roseinae), and R. yanshanensis (subsection Puellarinae). This is the first report of the species of Russula subgenus Russula from the Yanshan Mountains. This study enriches the species diversity of Russula in North China and provides new data support for the systematic study of Russula in subsequent research, including research and development on edibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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14 pages, 2371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemic Identification of Fungal Diseases in Morchella Cultivation across China

by Xiaofei Shi, Dong Liu, Xinhua He, Wei Liu and Fuqiang Yu

J. Fungi 2022, 8(10), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8101107 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5630

Abstract

True morels (Morchella, Pezizales) are world-renowned edible mushrooms (ascocarps) that are widely demanded in international markets. Morchella has been successfully artificially cultivated since 2012 in China and is rapidly becoming a new edible mushroom industry occupying up to 16,466 hectares in [...] Read more.

True morels (Morchella, Pezizales) are world-renowned edible mushrooms (ascocarps) that are widely demanded in international markets. Morchella has been successfully artificially cultivated since 2012 in China and is rapidly becoming a new edible mushroom industry occupying up to 16,466 hectares in the 2021–2022 season. However, nearly 25% of the total cultivation area has annually suffered from fungal diseases. While a variety of morel pathogenic fungi have been reported their epidemic characteristics are unknown, particularly in regional or national scales. In this paper, ITS amplicon sequencing and microscopic examination were concurrently performed on the morel ascocarp lesions from 32 sites in 18 provinces across China. Results showed that Diploöspora longispora (75.48%), Clonostachys solani (5.04%), Mortierella gamsii (0.83%), Mortierella amoeboidea (0.37%) and Penicillium kongii (0.15%) were the putative pathogenic fungi. The long, oval, septate conidia of D. longispora was observed on all ascocarps. Oval asexual spores and sporogenic structures, such as those of Clonostachys, were also detected in C. solani infected samples with high ITS read abundance. Seven isolates of D. longispora were isolated from seven selected ascocarps lesions. The microscopic characteristics of pure cultures of these isolates were consistent with the morphological characteristics of ascocarps lesions. Diploöspora longispora had the highest amplification abundance in 93.75% of the samples, while C. solani had the highest amplification abundance in six biological samples (6.25%) of the remaining two sampling sites. The results demonstrate that D. longispora is a major culprit of morel fungal diseases. Other low-abundance non-host fungi appear to be saprophytic fungi infecting after D. longispora. This study provides data supporting the morphological and molecular identification and prevention of fungal diseases of morel ascocarps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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15 pages, 4757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Key Regulatory Pathways of Basidiocarp Formation in Pleurotus spp. Using Modeling, Simulation and System Biology Studies

by Anupam Barh, Kanika Sharma, Pankaj Bhatt, Sudheer Kumar Annepu, Manoj Nath, Mahantesh Shirur, Babita Kumari, Kirti Kaundal, Shwet Kamal, Ved Parkash Sharma, Sachin Gupta, Annu Sharma, Moni Gupta and Upma Dutta

J. Fungi 2022, 8(10), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8101073 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2497

Abstract

Pleurotus (Oyster mushroom) is an important cultivated edible mushroom across the world. It has several therapeutic effects as it contains various useful bio-molecules. The cultivation and crop management of these basidiomycete fungi depends on many extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as substrate composition, [...] Read more.

Pleurotus (Oyster mushroom) is an important cultivated edible mushroom across the world. It has several therapeutic effects as it contains various useful bio-molecules. The cultivation and crop management of these basidiomycete fungi depends on many extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as substrate composition, growing environment, enzymatic properties, and the genetic makeup, etc. Moreover, for efficient crop production, a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental properties viz. intrinsic–extrinsic factors and genotype-environment interaction analysis is required. The present study explores the basidiocarp formation biology in Pleurotus mushroom using an in silico response to the environmental factors and involvement of the major regulatory genes. The predictive model developed in this study indicates involvement of the key regulatory pathways in the pinhead to fruit body development process. Notably, the major regulatory pathways involved in the conversion of mycelium aggregation to pinhead formation and White Collar protein (PoWC1) binding flavin-chromophore (FAD) to activate respiratory enzymes. Overall, cell differentiation and higher expression of respiratory enzymes are the two important steps for basidiocarp formation. PoWC1 and pofst genes were participate in the structural changes process. Besides this, the PoWC1 gene is also involved in the respiratory requirement, while the OLYA6 gene is the triggering point of fruiting. The findings of the present study could be utilized to understand the detailed mechanism associated with the basidiocarp formation and to cultivate mushrooms at a sustainable level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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13 pages, 1971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metaprofiling of the Bacterial Community in Colonized Compost Extracts by Agaricus subrufescens

by Matheus Rodrigo Iossi, Isabela Arruda Palú, Douglas Moraes Soares, Wagner G. Vieira, Jr., Lucas Silva Alves, Cassius V. Stevani, Cinthia E. C. Caitano, Samir V. F. Atum, Renato S. Freire, Eustáquio S. Dias and Diego Cunha Zied

J. Fungi 2022, 8(10), 995; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8100995 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2315

Abstract

It is well-known that bacteria and fungi play important roles in the relationships between mycelium growth and the formation of fruiting bodies. The sun mushroom, Agaricus subrufescens, was discovered in Brazil ca. 1960 and it has become known worldwide due to its [...] Read more.

It is well-known that bacteria and fungi play important roles in the relationships between mycelium growth and the formation of fruiting bodies. The sun mushroom, Agaricus subrufescens, was discovered in Brazil ca. 1960 and it has become known worldwide due to its medicinal and nutritional properties. This work evaluated the bacterial community present in mushroom-colonized compost extract (MCCE) prepared from cultivation of A. subrufescens, its dynamics with two different soaking times and the influence of the application of those extracts on the casing layer of a new compost block for A. subrufescens cultivation. MCCEs were prepared through initial submersion of the colonized compost for 1 h or 24 h in water followed by application on casing under semi-controlled conditions. Full-length 16S rRNA genes of 1 h and 24 h soaked MCCE were amplified and sequenced using nanopore technology. Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes and Planctomycetes, were found to be the most abundant phyla in both the 1 h and 24 h soaked MCCE. A total of 275 different bacterial species were classified from 1 h soaked MCCE samples and 166 species from 24 h soaked MCCE, indicating a decrease in the bacterial diversity with longer soaking time during the preparation of MCCE. The application of 24 h soaked MCCE provided increases of 25% in biological efficiency, 16% in precociousness, 53% in the number of mushrooms and 40% in mushroom weight compared to control. Further investigation is required to determine strategies to enhance the yield and quality of the agronomic traits in commercial mushroom cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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26 pages, 3482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Features and Immunomodulatory Effects of Water-Extractable Polysaccharides from Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer

by Yordan Nikolaev Georgiev, Ondrej Vasicek, Balik Dzhambazov, Tsvetelina Georgieva Batsalova, Petko Nedyalkov Denev, Lili Ivaylova Dobreva, Svetla Trifonova Danova, Svetlana Dimitrova Simova, Christian Winther Wold, Manol Hristov Ognyanov, Berit Smestad Paulsen and Albert Ivanov Krastanov

J. Fungi 2022, 8(8), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8080848 - 13 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3583

Abstract

Macrolepiota procera (MP) is an edible mushroom used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and inflammation. However, the structure and biological effects of its polysaccharides (PSs) are unclear. This study investigates the structural features of a PS complex from MP (MP-PSC), its immunomodulatory [...] Read more.

Macrolepiota procera (MP) is an edible mushroom used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and inflammation. However, the structure and biological effects of its polysaccharides (PSs) are unclear. This study investigates the structural features of a PS complex from MP (MP-PSC), its immunomodulatory activities and effects on probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. MP-PSC was obtained by boiling water, and PSs were characterized by 2D NMR spectroscopy. The immunomodulatory effects on blood and derived neutrophils, other leukocytes, and murine macrophages were studied by flow cytometry, chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, and ELISA. The total carbohydrate content of MP-PSC was 74.2%, with glycogen occupying 36.7%, followed by β-D-glucan, α-L-fuco-2-(1,6)-D-galactan, and β-D-glucomannan. MP-PSC (200 μg/mL) increased the number of CD14+ monocyte cells in the blood, after ex vivo incubation for 24 h. It dose-dependently (50–200 μg/mL) activated the spontaneous oxidative burst of whole blood phagocytes, NO, and interleukin 6 productions in RAW264.7 cells. MP-PSC exhibited a low antioxidant activity and failed to suppress the oxidative burst and NO generation, induced by inflammatory agents. It (2.0%, w/v) stimulated probiotic co-cultures and hindered the growth and biofilm development of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella enterica. MP PSs can be included in synbiotics to test their immunostimulating effects on compromised immune systems and gut health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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14 pages, 3837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolome and Transcriptome Profiling Reveal That Four Terpenoid Hormones Dominate the Growth and Development of Sanghuangporus baumii

by Zengcai Liu, Xinyu Tong, Ruipeng Liu and Li Zou

J. Fungi 2022, 8(7), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8070648 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2275

Abstract

Sanghuangporus baumii is a traditional medicinal fungus that produces pharmacological terpenoids, but natural resources are insufficient for applications, and its growth and development mechanisms are poorly understood. Combining metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, we found four terpenoid hormones and a central gene, isopentenyl [...] Read more.

Sanghuangporus baumii is a traditional medicinal fungus that produces pharmacological terpenoids, but natural resources are insufficient for applications, and its growth and development mechanisms are poorly understood. Combining metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, we found four terpenoid hormones and a central gene, isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IDI), involved in growth and development. Additionally, an exogenous hormone test was used to further confirm the importance of the four terpenoid hormones. Finally, hormone content determination and qRT−PCR were performed to explore the growth and development mechanism; we found thatcis-zeatin (CZ) plays a major role in the mycelia stage, trans-zeatin (TZ) and gibberellin A4 (GA4) are important in the primordia stage, GA4 is crucial for the fruiting bodies stage, and abscisic acid (ABA) may be a marker of maturity. The IDI gene was also found to affectterpenoid hormone content by regulating the relative gene transcript levels, thereby controlling morphological changes in S. baumii. Our results revealthe growth and development mechanisms of S. baumii and may promote the breeding and utilisation of high-quality varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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12 pages, 4600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mushrooms Do Produce Flavonoids: Metabolite Profiling and Transcriptome Analysis of Flavonoid Synthesis in the Medicinal Mushroom Sanghuangporus baumii

by Shixin Wang, Zengcai Liu, Xutong Wang, Ruipeng Liu and Li Zou

J. Fungi 2022, 8(6), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8060582 - 29 May 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3120

Abstract

Mushrooms produce a large number of medicinal bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, anticancer, antiaging, and other biological activities. However, whether they produce flavonoids and, if so, how they synthesize them remains a matter of some debate. In the present study, we combined flavonoid-targeted metabolomics [...] Read more.

Mushrooms produce a large number of medicinal bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, anticancer, antiaging, and other biological activities. However, whether they produce flavonoids and, if so, how they synthesize them remains a matter of some debate. In the present study, we combined flavonoid-targeted metabolomics and transcriptome analysis to explore the flavonoid synthesis in the medicinal mushroom Sanghuangporus baumii. The S. baumii synthesized 81 flavonoids on a chemically defined medium. The multiple classes of flavonoids present were consistent with the biosynthetic routes in plants. However, paradoxically, most of the genes that encode enzymes involved in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway are missing from S. baumii. Only four genes related to flavonoid synthesis were found in S. baumii, among which phenylalanine ammonia lyase gene (PAL) is a key gene regulating flavonoid synthesis, and overexpression of SbPAL increases the accumulation of flavonoids. These results suggest that the flavonoid synthesis pathway in S. baumii is different from that in known plants, and the missing genes may be replaced by genes from the same superfamilies but are only distantly related. Thus, this study provides a novel method to produce flavonoids by metabolic engineering using mushrooms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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16 pages, 3227 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fungal–Bacterial Networks in the Habitat of SongRong (Tricholoma matsutake) and Driving Factors of Their Distribution Rules

by Rui-Qing Ji, Yang Xu, Yan-Ji Si, Chayanard Phukhamsakda, Yu Li, Li-Peng Meng, Shu-Yan Liu and Meng-Le Xie

J. Fungi 2022, 8(6), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8060575 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3754

Abstract

Soil origin, mycorrhizal plant partners and environmental factors affect the growth and development of SongRong (Tricholoma matsutake). In order to clarify the relationships of fungi–bacteria networks and various influence factors in the habitat of SongRong, we chose three collection sites with [...] Read more.

Soil origin, mycorrhizal plant partners and environmental factors affect the growth and development of SongRong (Tricholoma matsutake). In order to clarify the relationships of fungi–bacteria networks and various influence factors in the habitat of SongRong, we chose three collection sites with a Quercus mongolica pure forest (plot A without SongRong was used as the control sample site), Q. mongolica mixed Rhododendron dauricum (plot B) and Q. mongolica mixed with R. dauricum and Pinus densiflora (plot C). By using high-throughput sequencing, we obtained a total of 4930 fungal and 55501 bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) based on internally transcribed spacer ribosomal RNA (ITS rRNA) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing via the Illumina NovaSeq platform. In the habitat soil of SongRong (plot B and plot C), alpha or beta diversity and species compositions of fungi and bacteria were different from plot A. The fungal–bacterial networks follow the selection rule that few dominant genera account for the greater relative abundance. Forest types, but not the host itself, drove the fungal–bacterial networks of the forest soil, and soil physicochemical characteristics and texture affected their abundance. The abundance of Tricholoma was affected by the fungal and bacterial abundance in the habitat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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19 pages, 2033 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polysaccharides from Volvariella volvacea Mushroom: Extraction, Biological Activities and Cosmetic Efficacy

by Sarita Sangthong, Punyawatt Pintathong, Patcharee Pongsua, Areeya Jirarat and Phanuphong Chaiwut

J. Fungi 2022, 8(6), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8060572 - 26 May 2022

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5375

Abstract

Polysaccharides from Volvariella volvacea (VVP) were investigated for their cosmetic-related activities and in vivo efficacy for use as a multifunctional active cosmetic ingredient. Three different polysaccharide extraction methods, including hot water shaking (HS), microwave-assisted (MA) and ultrasonic-assisted (UA), were used. Extractable yield, polysaccharide [...] Read more.

Polysaccharides from Volvariella volvacea (VVP) were investigated for their cosmetic-related activities and in vivo efficacy for use as a multifunctional active cosmetic ingredient. Three different polysaccharide extraction methods, including hot water shaking (HS), microwave-assisted (MA) and ultrasonic-assisted (UA), were used. Extractable yield, polysaccharide contents and biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase activities, were compared. The polysaccharides from HS provided the highest extraction yield (15.58 ± 0.96% w/w) and the highest beta-glucan content (18.80 ± 0.81% w/w). The HS polysaccharides also possessed the highest inhibitory effects toward lipid peroxidation (IC₅₀ of 0.0378 mg/mL), tyrosinase (51.46 mg KAE/g), and elastase (604.21 ± 73.66 mg EGCG/g). The cytotoxicity of the VVP was determined for safe use. A cosmetic gel cream containing VVP was developed and 0.2% VVP formulation was observed to be the most stable in color. UV protection factors, skin irritation by single patch test, and in vivo efficacy, including skin moisturization, anti-wrinkle and whitening, were measured. The VVP showed no cytotoxicity against human dermal skin fibroblast. The gel cream containing VVP provided less sun protection factor; however, it significantly exhibited the skin benefits of increasing moisture, gross elasticity, net elasticity, and skin firmness. Improvements to skin roughness, scaliness, wrinkles and in melanin content were also depicted gradually along 8 weeks. V. volvacea, therefore, could be a good source for polysaccharides being used as a moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and whitening agent in cosmetic preparations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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11 pages, 1486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ectomycorrhizal Influence on the Dynamics of Sesquiterpene Release by Tricholoma vaccinum

by Marycolette Ndidi Ezediokpu, Katrin Krause, Maritta Kunert, Dirk Hoffmeister, Wilhelm Boland and Erika Kothe

J. Fungi 2022, 8(6), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8060555 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2264

Abstract

Tricholoma vaccinum is an ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete with high host specificity. The slow-growing fungus is able to produce twenty sesquiterpenes, including α-barbatene, sativene, isocaryophyllene, α-cuprenene, β-cedrene, ß-copaene, 4-epi-α-acoradiene, and chamigrene in axenic culture. For the three major compounds, Δ⁶-protoilludene, β-barbatene, and an [...] Read more.

Tricholoma vaccinum is an ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete with high host specificity. The slow-growing fungus is able to produce twenty sesquiterpenes, including α-barbatene, sativene, isocaryophyllene, α-cuprenene, β-cedrene, ß-copaene, 4-epi-α-acoradiene, and chamigrene in axenic culture. For the three major compounds, Δ⁶-protoilludene, β-barbatene, and an unidentified oxygenated sesquiterpene (m/z 218.18), changed production during co-cultivation with the ectomycorrhizal partner tree, Picea abies, could be shown with distinct dynamics. During the mycorrhizal growth of T. vaccinum–P. abies, Δ⁶-protoilludene and the oxygenated sesquiterpene appeared at similar times, which warranted further studies of potential biosynthesis genes. In silico analyses identified a putative protoilludene synthesis gene, pie1, as being up-regulated in the mycorrhizal stage, in addition to the previously identified, co-regulated geosmin synthase, ges1. We therefore hypothesize that the sesquiterpene synthase pie1 has an important role during mycorrhization, through Δ⁶-protoilludene and/or its accompanied oxygenated sesquiterpene production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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Research Progress on Elements of Wild Edible Mushrooms

by Shuai Liu, Honggao Liu, Jieqing Li and Yuanzhong Wang

J. Fungi 2022, 8(9), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8090964 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4893

Abstract

Wild edible mushrooms are distributed all over the world and are delicious seasonal foods, rich in polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, and other components. At the same time, they contain many essential trace elements and are highly enriched in heavy metals (compared to green [...] Read more.

Wild edible mushrooms are distributed all over the world and are delicious seasonal foods, rich in polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, and other components. At the same time, they contain many essential trace elements and are highly enriched in heavy metals (compared to green plants and cultivated edible mushrooms). Consumers may be exposed to health risks due to excessive heavy metals in the process of consumption. This is also one of the important factors affecting the import and export of edible mushrooms, which is of great concern to consumers and entry and exit inspection and quarantine departments. In this paper, the contents of four essential trace elements of iron, manganese, zinc, and copper and four harmful heavy metals of cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic in nearly 400 species of wild edible mushrooms from 10 countries are reviewed. It was found that the factors affecting the elemental content of edible mushrooms are mainly divided into internal and external factors. Internal is mainly the difference in species element-enrichment ability, and external is mainly environmental pollution and geochemical factors. The aim is to provide a reference for the risk assessment of edible mushrooms and their elemental distribution characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi)

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