Comparative transcriptomics provides insights into molecular mechanisms of zinc tolerance in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus luteus

Abstract Zinc (Zn) is a major soil contaminant and high Zn levels can disrupt growth, survival, and reproduction of fungi. Some fungal species evolved Zn tolerance through cell processes mitigating Zn toxicity, although the genes and detailed mechanisms underlying mycorrhizal fungal Zn tolerance rem...

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Published in:G3 : genes - genomes - genetics 2024-09, Vol.14 (9)
Main Authors: Smith, Alexander, Fletcher, Jessica, Swinnen, Janne, Jonckheere, Karl, Bazzicalupo, Anna, Liao, Hui-Ling, Ragland, Greg, Colpaert, Jan, Lipzen, Anna, Tejomurthula, Sravanthi, Barry, Kerrie, V. Grigoriev, Igor, Ruytinx, Joske, Branco, Sara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Basidiomycota - drug effects
Basidiomycota - genetics
Fungal Genetics and Genomics
fungi
gene expression
Gene Expression Profiling
Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal - drug effects
metal
Mycorrhizae
Oxidative Stress
stress
tolerance
Transcriptome
zinc
Zinc - metabolism
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Summary:Abstract Zinc (Zn) is a major soil contaminant and high Zn levels can disrupt growth, survival, and reproduction of fungi. Some fungal species evolved Zn tolerance through cell processes mitigating Zn toxicity, although the genes and detailed mechanisms underlying mycorrhizal fungal Zn tolerance remain unexplored. To fill this gap in knowledge, we investigated the gene expression of Zn tolerance in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus luteus. We found that Zn tolerance in this species is mainly a constitutive trait that can also be environmentally dependent. Zinc tolerance in S. luteus is associated with differences in the expression of genes involved in metal exclusion and immobilization, as well as recognition and mitigation of metal-induced oxidative stress. Differentially expressed genes were predicted to be involved in transmembrane transport, metal chelation, oxidoreductase activity, and signal transduction. Some of these genes were previously reported as candidates for S. luteus Zn tolerance, while others are reported here for the first time. Our results contribute to understanding the mechanisms of fungal metal tolerance and pave the way for further research on the role of fungal metal tolerance in mycorrhizal associations.
ISSN:2160-1836
2160-1836
DOI:10.1093/g3journal/jkae156