The Nearly Complete Genome of Grifola frondosa and Light-Induced Genes Screened Based on Transcriptomics Promote the Production of Triterpenoid Compounds

TL;DR

This study provides a nearly complete genome of the turkey tail fungus and identifies light-induced genes that boost triterpenoid production, important for its medicinal properties.

Contribution

The paper presents a high-quality genome assembly and identifies light-sensitive gene clusters involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis in Grifola frondosa.

Findings

A 35.74 Mb genome with 12,526 protein-coding genes was assembled with high completeness and quality.

Ten triterpenoid gene clusters were identified, three of which were found to be light-sensitive.

Transcriptomic analysis revealed light-induced variations in genes related to terpenoid synthesis and metabolism.

Abstract

Grifola frondosa, commonly known as turkey tail, is a valuable fungus with medicinal and culinary uses, rich in bioactive compounds like triterpenoid polysaccharides that contribute to health benefits. Here, we constructed a nearly complete genome of G. frondosa CH1 using Illumina, PacBio HiFi, and Hi-C sequencing technologies, resulting in a 35.74 Mb genome with 12,526 protein-coding genes. The genome spans 12 chromosomes, all with intact telomeric structures and no gaps. The BUSCO completeness scores of 95.1% and 99.1% for the genome and genes, respectively, indicate high assembly quality and high completeness of gene prediction. Phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship between G. frondosa CH1 and Trametes cinnabarina. Transcriptomic analysis under varying light conditions showed changes in the expression of genes, especially those related to terpenoid synthesis, with several CAZymes and CYP450 genes also exhibiting light-induced variations. Ten triterpenoid secondary metabolite gene clusters were identified, three of which were light-sensitive, indicating that light exposure regulates triterpenoid metabolism. This study provides valuable data supporting the high-quality genome of G. frondosa and offers new insights into the light-induced regulation of its metabolism.

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