Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanisms of the Impact on the Fruiting Body Phenotype of <i>Lentinula edodes</i> Under Different Light Conditions.
Blue light significantly boosts the yield and quality of Lentinula edodes, making it the optimal light condition for cultivation.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the zenagamtide corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the effects of eight light qualities on the agronomic traits of Lentinula edodes. Blue light emerged as the most effective, yielding 228.12 g per log, with a pileus diameter of 45.17 mm and stipe thickness of 29.45 mm. Molecular analyses identified 4280 differentially expressed genes and 45 differentially expressed metabolites under blue light conditions.
Abstract
Light quality is a pivotal environmental signal governing the morphogenesis and metabolic programming of edible fungi. This study evaluated the effects of eight light qualities-red (R), green (G), blue (B), red-green (RG), red-blue (RB), green-blue (GB), red-green-blue (RGB), and dark control (CK)-on the agronomic traits of <i>Lentinula edodes</i>. Among all treatments, blue light (B) emerged as the most effective regulator, yielding the highest productivity per log (228.12 g), and significantly enhancing pileus diameter (45.17 mm) and stipe thickness (29.45 mm). To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed on primordia and mature fruiting bodies. Transcriptomic profiling identified 4280 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under blue light, which were significantly enriched in energy metabolism and structural development pathways. Metabolomic analysis revealed 45 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), highlighting a 7.64-fold upregulation of 9(S)-HPODE and a marked downregulation of <i>L</i>-arginine at the harvest stage under blue light. Multi-omics integration demonstrated that blue light orchestrates a strategic metabolic shift: it activates arginine and proline metabolism during the primordial stage, maintains linoleic acid metabolism throughout development, and triggers alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism during the transition to maturity. These pathways facilitate the conversion of amino acids into energy precursors and enhance cell membrane fluidity through unsaturated fatty acid synthesis to support rapid growth. Conversely, red light treatment triggered stress-related MAPK signaling, delayed primordium formation, and redirected resources toward stipe elongation via phenylalanine accumulation, resulting in significantly lower yields. In conclusion, this study confirms that blue light is the optimal condition for <i>L</i>. <i>edodes</i> cultivation, providing a robust molecular foundation for precision light-regulation strategies to maximize yield and quality in commercial production.
Background
This paper addresses the impact of light quality on the morphogenesis and metabolic programming of edible fungi, specifically Lentinula edodes. Prior research has established that environmental factors, such as light, can significantly influence fungal growth and development. Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing cultivation practices and improving yield in commercial settings.
Methods
The study utilized a comparative analysis of eight different light treatments: red, green, blue, red-green, red-blue, green-blue, red-green-blue, and a dark control. The primary outcomes measured included productivity, pileus diameter, and stipe thickness. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed on both primordia and mature fruiting bodies to elucidate molecular mechanisms.
Results
The primary endpoint observed was a productivity of 228.12 g per log under blue light. Additionally, pileus diameter was measured at 45.17 mm and stipe thickness at 29.45 mm under the same light condition. The study identified 4280 differentially expressed genes and 45 differentially expressed metabolites, with a notable 7.64-fold increase in 9(S)-HPODE.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that blue light significantly enhances growth and productivity in Lentinula edodes compared to other light conditions. While the statistical significance of the results is clear, the clinical relevance in terms of practical application for commercial cultivation may vary. Limitations such as the absence of long-term follow-up or field trials may confound the applicability of these results in real-world settings.
Key findings
- 228.12 g productivity per log under blue light.
- 45.17 mm pileus diameter under blue light.
- 29.45 mm stipe thickness under blue light.
- 4280 differentially expressed genes identified under blue light.
- 7.64-fold upregulation of 9(S)-HPODE under blue light.
Limitations
- Not reported in abstract.