The Agaricus bisporus (button mushroom) industry encounters several biotechnological challenges in critical domains including germplasm development, industrial-scale cultivation, and postharvest preservation, collectively constraining improvements in overall quality and production efficiency. Multi-omics approaches, through comprehensive analyses of growth and developmental processes, stress response mechanisms, and quality regulation of A. bisporus, offer an innovative research framework to address these challenges and enable precise design and regulation throughout the entire production chain. A systematic literature review is carried out to synthesize the advancements of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and integrative multi-omics methodologies pertinent to A. bisporus research. It is revealed that genomics provides the genetic basis for evaluating germplasm resources and identifying breeding targets. Transcriptomics elucidates gene expression dynamics during developmental stages and environmental stress responses; proteomics elucidates the molecular basis of trait formation at the functional protein level; metabolomics characterizes metabolic regulatory features associated with quality formation and postharvest deterioration. Integrative multi-omics approaches facilitate the correlation of genomic variations, gene expression profiles, protein abundances, metabolite fluctuations, and phenotypic traits, thereby systematically linking genotype to phenotype and serving as a critical strategy for decoding complex trait regulatory networks. Nonetheless, current research is hindered by limitations inherent in single-omics analyses, challenges in multi-omics data integration, and a lack of comprehensive functional validation of key candidate factors. Future research should prioritize the development of high-quality genomic resources, standardized phenotypic data acquisition, comprehensive multi-dimensional omics integration, and functional validation of pivotal molecules. Additionally, fostering the synergistic integration of multi-omics with emerging technologies such as gene editing will be essential to underpin precise breeding, intelligent cultivation, sustainable preservation, and the industrial advancement of A. bisporus.
Lentinula edodes is the most extensively cultivated edible fungi in China and is favored for its unique aroma which primarily originates from sulfur-containing flavor compounds. However, synthetic pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying biosynthesis of these metabolites remain unclear. This study investigated differences of sulfur-containing flavor compounds between the strain L808 and its “aroma-loss” mutant ww808. Multi-omics techniques were integrated to compare the gene expression profiles and metabolic profiles of the two strains, aiming to reveal the differential metabolic mechanisms underlying the mutation affecting sulfur-containing flavor compounds. Results showed that, compared with L808, the mycelia of ww808 exhibited a significantly reduced lenthionine content, and the fruiting bodies of ww808 also showed significantly decreased levels of lenthionine and total sulfur-containing flavor compounds, suggesting that the flavor-related synthetic pathways might be suppressed in the mutant. Multi-omics analysis revealed distinct gene expression and metabolic profiles of the two strains. In total, 846 differentially expressed genes were identified in the transcriptome, among which the highly expressed genes in L808 were significantly enriched in pathways such as the MAPK signaling pathway, and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism. In contrast with L808, the upregulated genes in ww808 were mainly enriched in processes including the cell cycle, and carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Metabolomic analysis detected 858 differential metabolites primarily involved in amino acid, nucleotide, and carbohydrate metabolism pathways, among which the cysteine and methionine metabolism pathway closely associated with flavor compound synthesis showed a downregulated trend. Further integration of sulfur-containing metabolite and transcriptome data via co-expression network analysis constructed regulatory networks of sulfur-containing metabolites for L808 and ww808, comprising six and four regulatory modules, respectively. Among the top five core regulatory genes in the two strains, four were shared. The core gene unique to L808 was SAM methyltransferase, while that unique to ww808 was cysteine protease. This study reveals the differential transcriptomic and metabolic pathways in the aroma-loss mutant of L. edodes, identifies candidate genes potentially involved in the biosynthesis of sulfur-containing flavor compounds, which could use for further experimental validations.
This study aimed at screening suitable postharvest preservation conditions for brown variety of Agaricus bisporus. The brown strain “Longgu No.1” (Gansu Registered Mushroom 2026001) was used as the experimental material, and the effects of different single-factor treatments on its postharvest quality were systematically evaluated, including harvest methods (stipe-base trimming and non-trimming), storage temperatures (4, 10, and 16 ℃), packaging materials (CPP, BOPP, PE, and PVC films), CaCl2 treatments (0.2% and 0.5%), and chitosan coatings (0.2% and 0.5%). The results showed that non-trimming harvest reduced quality deterioration associated with mechanical injury. Storage at 4 ℃ effectively delayed respiration-related quality decline and enzymatic browning. Among the packaging materials tested, PE film was more effective in reducing moisture loss and maintaining postharvest quality. Treatment with 0.5% CaCl2 helped maintaining tissue firmness and reduced polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, while 0.2% chitosan coating inhibited browning and better preserved soluble protein, soluble sugar, and vitamin C content. Correlation analysis showed that postharvest quality deterioration was closely associated with water loss, browning, and enzyme activity. Weight loss rate and PPO activity were positively correlated with browning index, whereas they were negatively correlated with soluble protein, soluble sugar, and vitamin C content. Principal component analysis further supported non-trimming at harvest, storage at 4 ℃, PE film packaging, 0.5% CaCl2 treatment, and 0.2% chitosan coating as the optimal conditions among the tested factors for maintaining postharvest quality. These findings provide experimentally supported preservation parameters and practical reference for developing an integrated postharvest preservation strategy for this brown A. bisporus variety.
Casing soil is a key condition for fruiting body formation in the industrial cultivation of Phlebopus portentosus, while the roles of soil fungal community in the mushroom’s growth and development remains unclear. In this study, metagenomic technology was used to analyze the changes in fungal community structure and function in the covering soil at five critical developmental stages of the mushroom, initial soil covering stage, mycelium colonization stage, primordium formation stage, young fruiting body stage, and fruiting body harvest stage. The results showed that a total of 1.304 billion high-quality sequences was obtained through sequencing, assembling into 20.319 million contigs, with 111 022 fungal-related non-redundant genes annotated. At the phylum level, Basidiomycota and Ascomycota accounted for over 90% of the total community, and the relative abundance of Basidiomycota increased to more than 80% with the growth of P. portentosus. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Phlebopus reached 43.58%-48.59% in the late growth stage, becoming the dominant genus. The taxa with saprophytic and symbiotic functions exhibit considerable variations. Among them, some Trichoderma species with certain biocontrol functions showed fluctuating trends, reaching the highest relative abundance at the primordium stage; Rhizopus attained its peak relative abundance at the mycelium stage; whereas the pathogenic fungi Botryobasidium, Teratosphaeria and Sphaceloma exhibited an upward trend in abundance at the harvest stage. A total of 19 stage-specific biomarkers was identified via Lefse analysis, and KEGG functional enrichment indicated that hydrolases, translocases, as well as pathways such as cell cycle and signal transduction were closely associated with fruiting body development. This study clarifies the succession rules and functional characteristics of the covering soil fungal community during different developmental stages of P. portentosus, providing a scientific basis for revealing the interaction mechanism between the covering soil microecology and the mushroom, and optimizing the cultivation microenvironment.
The flavor differences between factory-cultivated bag-grown and bottle-grown fruiting bodies of brown and white strains of Hypsizygus marmoreus were examined by using headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS), and relative odor activity values (ROAV) were calculated to identify the key volatile flavor compounds. Electronic tongue (E-tongue) technology was employed to compare the differences in non-volatile flavor compounds among the samples. The results showed that 44 volatile flavor compounds were identified in the fruiting bodies of the brown strain grown in factory-scale bag and bottle cultures, while 50 were identified in the fruiting bodies of the white strain grown under the same conditions, with alcohols and ketones accounting for the highest proportions. ROAV analysis identified octanal, 1-octen-3-one, and 1-penten-3-one as key volatile flavor compounds common to both the white and brown strains under the two commercial cultivation modes, with 1-octen-3-one contributing most to the flavor profile. The differences in volatile and non-volatile flavor compounds between fruiting body samples from the brown strain produced via industrial bag and bottle cultivation were more pronounced than those in the white strain. This study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for optimizing the characteristic flavor of industrially cultivated H. marmoreus.
Two intensive surveys of macrofungi in Lingfeng National Nature Reserve, Heilongjiang Province were carried out in July and August, 2025, by using random sampling and line-transect methods. In total, 326 specimens were obtained. The specimens were examined and identified based on morphological and molecular evidence. A list of 249 species belonging to 149 genera, 82 families, 18 orders, 4 classes and 2 phyla is presented by integrating our identification results and previous records. Among of which one genus and four species are recorded in China for the first time. The species compositions, floristic characteristics, and economical importance of macrofungi in the nature reserve were analyzed. Russulaceae, Polyporaceae, Hymenochaetaceae, Boletaceae, and Strophariaceae are the dominant families, with the sum of species accounting for 33.74% of the total macrofungal species recorded. Russula, Lactarius, Cortinarius, and Suillus etc. are dominant genera, with the sum of species accounting for 25.71% of the total macrofungal species. Most families and genera are cosmopolitan and north temperate, showing clear temperate floristic features. The nature reserve possesses 71 edible, 89 medicinal, 37 concurrently edible and medicinal, and 21 toxic species. Our results provide primary reference material for the biodiversity conservation, dynamic resource assessment, and sustainable development of macrofungi in Lingfeng National Nature Reserve.
Ophiocordyceps sinensis is an entomopathogenic fungus endemic to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau (QXP) that parasitizes the larvae of ghost moths (Hepialidae). It has evolved distinctive genomic features through long-term adaptation to the QXP habitats and its specific hosts. In this study, a comparative genomics analysis among O. sinensis, O. polyrhachis-furcata, O. australis, and O. unilateralis was conducted by using Cordyceps militaris as an outgroup. The results show that species divergence within the genus Ophiocordyceps exhibits a distinct stepwise pattern, where divergence nodes are highly associated with host group transitions. Furthermore, significant differences in the scale of gene duplication suggest that it is a key factor influencing genomic evolutionary diversity within the genus. O. sinensis exhibits genomic traits adapted to extreme environments and its host, characterized by significant gene family remodeling: gene families associated with energy metabolism, transmembrane transport, and secondary metabolism have undergone expansion, whereas pathways related to xylan degradation, light signal perception, and certain material transport have experienced contraction. These expanded and contracted gene families are closely linked to environmental stressors such as alpine hypoxia and high irradiance, as well as the prolonged infection life cycle within the host. These genomic characteristics of O. sinensis provide a fundamental framework for understanding its survival and expansion on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and elucidating its mechanisms of adaptation to extreme environments.
Maize (Zea mays) is the most important grain crop in Inner Mongolia, with cultivated area accounting for approximately one-tenth of China’s total maize planting area. Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) caused by Exserohilum turcicum is one of the most devastating foliar fungal diseases affecting maize production, widely occurring across maize-growing regions in Inner Mongolia. To investigate the gene flow patterns among E. turcicum populations from different Meng (administrative division of Inner Mongolia) and cities in Inner Mongolia, this study performed the population genetic analysis of 204 E. turcicum isolates collected from six geographical populations in Inner Mongolia, using 33 pairs of SNP-specific marker primers. The results revealed low overall genetic differentiation and high gene flow among the six populations, with genetic differentiation coefficients ranging from 0.010 to 0.079 and gene flow values from 3.160 to 23.884. The highest gene flow occurred between the Xing’an Meng and Chifeng populations, while the lowest gene flow was observed between the Xing’an Meng and Hohhot populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) demonstrated that the genetic variation of E. turcicum populations was primarily attributed to within-population variation (94%), with only 6% of the variation occurring among geographical populations. The level of genetic diversity of the six geographical populations was ranked from highest to lowest as follow EG3 (Tongliao City) > EG5 (Hohhot City) > EG1 (Hulunbuir City) > EG4 (Chifeng City) > EG6 (Ordos City) > EG2 (Xing’an Meng). Phylogenetic analysis, discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), and structure analysis indicated no significant correlation between population structure and the geographical origin of isolates, and revealed no clear association between geographical distance and genetic distance. This study revealed that the six geographical populations of E. turcicum in Inner Mongolia exhibited high levels of gene flow, weak geographical differentiation, and rich genetic diversity, indicating frequent gene exchange and the absence of significant geographical isolation barriers among these populations. These findings provide a crucial theoretical basis for understanding the epidemic dynamics of NCLB and formulating regionalized disease management strategies.
In order to investigate the antidepressant effect and potential mechanism of Ganoderma sinense polysaccharide-a1 (GSP-a1), mice were randomly divided into blank control (Ctrl) group, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) group, GSP-a1 group, and fluoxetine hydrochloride (Flu) group to establish a CUMS depression model. Evaluation of depression-like behavior of mice was carried out through sucrose preference experiments, open field experiments, tail suspension experiments, and forced swimming experiments. After the behavioral test, brain tissue was collected and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression and distribution of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and interleukin (IL) -1β; Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expression of postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95); Western Blot was used to detect the expression levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the hippocampus. Compared with the CUMS group, GSP-a1 administration significantly improved depression-like behavior in CUMS mice, and inhibited the expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-6. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the excessive activation of the NLRP3 signaling pathway, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, and protecting PSD-95.
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a severe complication of diabetes, often leading to amputation. The occurrence of diabetic foot ulcer is associated with factors such as neuropathy, ischemia, and infection, among which fungal infection is often overlooked. Clinically, alternariasis can manifest symptoms such as skin nodules and ulcers. Diabetic foot complicated by Alternaria ulcer is extremely rare and thus prone to misdiagnosis. Herein, we report a case of Alternaria ulcer in diabetic foot. The patient, a 61-year-old female with type 2 diabetes, developed bilateral dorsal foot ulcers for one week. She had an episode of self-bilateral heel cross-massage therapy on the dorsal foot. She was treated with antibiotics in the community hospital but without respondence. The patient had type 2 diabetes for over 10 years, and diabetic foot for 3 years. She had also tinea pedis and onychomycosis for 10 years. Physical examination revealed an ulcer on each side of the dorsal foot, surrounded by redness, swelling, and infiltration, with grayish-white fascia at the base and no purulent discharge. There were diffuse scaling on the plantar surface with heel fissuring and thickened nails. No pulsation was detected in the dorsal pedal arteries. Laboratory findings included a blood glucose level of 12 mmol/L. The glycated hemoglobin level reached 21%, and the serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan level was significantly elevated (>600 pg/mL; normal value <70 pg/mL). Doppler ultrasound examination revealed the formation of intimal plaques in both dorsal pedal arteries. Fungal calcium fluorescence microscopy of ulcer tissue and plantar skin scale tissue showed the presence of thick-walled, septated hyphae. After 1 week of culture, grayish-white filamentous colonies grew, and after 2 weeks, the colonies turned grayish-green. Microscopically, dark brown thick-walled septate hyphae with inverted club-shaped conidia and elongated apical ends with thick-walled brick-like septate were observed, consistent with the characteristics of Alternaria. Further identification by DNA confirmed the diagnosis of alternariasis. The patient was diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers with Alternaria infection. Antifungal combination therapy (insulin + itraconazole + edoxaban + terbinafine cream) was administrated immediately. Ulcers ceased progression after 1 week, with normalized blood BGD levels. Complete ulcer healing occurred after 4 months, accompanied by restored dorsalis pedis artery pulsation. No recurrence was observed during 1-year follow-up. DFU may be caused by infection of Alternaria. Triple antifungal therapy can promote ulcer healing and avoid complications such as amputation.
Trametes versicolor is a wood-rotting fungus with high medicinal value. “Juncao” is the mushroom cultivation substrate mainly composed of powdered herbaceous plants instead of sawdust. Domestication and cultivation of T. versicolor using Juncao technology can alleviate the “fungus-forest contradiction” between mushroom production and forest ecology, reduce production costs, and achieve dual favorable ecological and economic benefits. In this study, a wild strain of T. versicolor from campus of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University was isolated via tissue isolation to obtain a pure culture. The strain was identified based on morphological and molecular biological characteristics. Growing characteristics including growth temperature, pH, carbon source, nitrogen source, inorganic salts and vitamin were investigated, and culture conditions were optimized through single-factor tests and orthogonal experiments. The optimal mycelial growth condition is as follows: using sucrose as carbon source and ammonium sulfate as nitrogen source, culture temperature of 30 ℃, and initial pH value of 5.0. Appropriate addition of potassium, magnesium and vitamins could promote mycelial growth. Influencing levels of these factors were in order of temperature > pH > nitrogen source > carbon source. Screening from 25 Juncao substrate formulas, the optimal cultivation substrate was compared with sawdust substrate. The results indicated that the total amino acid content of Juncao-cultivated T. versicolor fruiting bodies was 4.93% or 1.68 times that of sawdust-cultivated ones (2.94%). The main nutritional components such as crude protein, crude fiber and crude fat were similar between the two groups. The content of triterpenes, flavonoids and ergosterol in Juncao-cultivated fruiting bodies was extremely significantly higher than that in the sawdust-cultivated ones. The polysaccharide content was 5.11%, significantly higher than that (4.72%) in the fruiting bodies in sawdust substrate. In conclusion, higher-quality fruiting bodies of T. versicolor can be obtained by Juncao-cultivation.
This study explored the fruiting body induction and occurrence conditions of Buchwaldoboletus xylophilus under pure culture conditions, and observed the macroscopic morphology and microscopic anatomical structure of the fruiting body under enlarged normal cultivation and pure culture conditions, providing reference for analyzing its individual developmental characteristics. The results show that the optimal carbon source for primordium induction is soluble starch, the optimal nitrogen source is yeast extract, and the optimal inorganic salt is FeSO4. The optimal temperature for primordium formation is 28-30 ℃, the relative humidity of the air is 50%-70%, and the light condition is 12 hours/12 hours of light and dark alternation. Under enlarged normal cultivation conditions, the development characteristics of the fruiting bodies exhibit an “S”-shaped growth curve, with rapid growth occurring at day 3-7 of fruiting and optimal harvest time at day 8-9. Microscopic examination of mature fruiting bodies shows that the pileus epidermal hyphae are trichodermal type, while the pileus flesh hyphae are transverse filamentous somata; the stipe epidermal hyphae exhibit a grid-like structure, while the stipe inner hyphae longitudinal stria-form. The tube hyphae are monomorphism, and the hymenophoral tubetrama hyphae are divaricate. Hymenophore is slightly decurrent to slightly depressed around apex of stipe; basidia bear 4 sterigmata; basidiospores are smooth without ornament; the pore is single-pore type, short-tubular. Under pure culture conditions, the fruiting body comprises seven developmental stages, with the cycle of 20-25 days. Microscopic structure observations revealed that there was no tissue-specific differentiation during the mycelial twist stage, primordium differentiation stage, and early stage of fruiting body development. The caulocystidia develops during the middle stage of fruiting body development; tubes, tramae, basidia, and basidiospores are formed in the mature stage of the fruiting body. Their morphological characteristics showed no significant differences from those under normal cultivation conditions. It is revealed that B. xylophilus can complete its entire life cycle under pure culture conditions.
Ganoderma tsugae, an important medicinal fungus, grows mostly on coniferous trees such as Larix and Pinus and broad-leaved trees such as Betula in cold-temperate regions. In this study, two wild strains of G. tsugae (strain Wu 2022 on Betula in Altay, Xinjiang, and strain Cui 14110 on Larix in Lushuihe, Jilin) were used to evaluate their biological characteristics under six factors (carbon source, nitrogen source, inorganic salts, sawdust substrate, pH and temperature). The content of crude polysaccharides and total triterpenoids, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity of mycelia during liquid fermentation were also analyzed. The results indicated that both strains shared the same optimal carbon source (corn flour), nitrogen source (wheat bran), inorganic salt (MnSO4), and temperature (25 ℃). However, the differences were observed in optimal sawdust substrate and initial pH. Strain Wu 2022 preferred a mixed sawdust substrate of Betula and Larix, with an optimal initial pH of 7.5, whereas strain Cui 14110 showed a preference for Larix sawdust, with an optimal initial pH of 5.0. Orthogonal experimental optimization identified the optimal cultivation conditions as follows: strain Wu 2022 grew optimally in substrate containing corn flour 10 g/L, wheat bran 9 g/L and mixed sawdust 20 g/L under pH 7.0; strain Cui 14110 grew optimally in substrate containing corn flour 30 g/L, wheat bran 5 g/L and Larix sawdust 10 g/L under pH 6.0. Extraction of active substances showed that crude polysaccharide content of the two strains were not significantly different (P>0.05). However, the total triterpenoid content of strain Cui 14110 [(24.41±3.44) g/kg] was significantly higher than that of strain Wu 2022 [(15.92±2.90) g/kg]. Antioxidant activity analysis showed that no significant differences were observed between the two strains in SOD activity [(62.51±7.82) U/g vs. (60.10±7.27) U/g] or hydroxyl radical scavenging rate [(39.57±19.97)% vs. (38.38±23.33)%]. The correlation analysis revealed that the total triterpenoid content was significantly and linearly correlated with both SOD activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging rate (P<0.05). This study provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable utilization of wild G. tsugae germplasm resources.
Buchwaldoboletus xylophilus is the second artificially cultivatable edible bolete species in China, succeeding Phlebopus portentosus. However, information on its toxicology and nutritional quality is not well known. In this study, a preliminary acute oral toxicity assessment was conducted for this newly domesticated species, and the nutritional components of fruiting bodies of two cultivated strains (JSJ-Bu2-4 and JSJ-Bu6-2) were systematically compared under two formulations of cultivation substrate (mixed sawdust and pine sawdust). The results showed that no obvious toxic reaction was observed under the conditions of the acute oral toxicity test. The nutritional quality of fruiting bodies of both strains on different cultivation substrates showed differences. JSJ-Bu6-2 performed better in multiple protein nutritional evaluation indices, including amino acid score (AAS), ratio coefficient of amino acid (RC), institute of medicine (IOM) pattern score, and chemical score (CS), while the mixed sawdust-based substrate was more conducive to nutrient accumulation. Fruiting bodies could also be formed on the pine sawdust-based substrate, suggesting that pine sawdust has potential as an alternative cultivation substrate, although its production suitability and overall economic feasibility still require further evaluation. This study provides a relatively systematic baseline dataset for the preliminary safety assessment and nutritional quality evaluation of B. xylophilus fruiting bodies, and preliminarily indicates that strain effects outweigh substrate effects in determining nutritional quality.
The functional mechanism of lentinan (LNT) inhibiting tumor progression by regulating the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in a high-fat diet-induced breast cancer model was investigated. In vitro, 4T1 cells were treated with palmitic acid to simulate a high-fat microenvironment, and different concentrations of LNT were administered to detect cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, and PPARγ expression. The effect of LNT on Raw264.7 macrophage polarization was observed through supernatant transfer experiments. Databases such as TIMER, UALCAN, and GEPIA were used to analyze the expression and prognostic value of PPARγ in breast cancer, as well as its correlation with macrophage infiltration and lipid metabolism pathways. Western blot validation was performed using paired tissues from obese breast cancer patients. Finally, a breast cancer mouse model was established by combining a high-fat diet with 4T1 cell inoculation to verify the regulatory effects of LNT intervention on tumor growth, pathological changes, and key signaling pathways. In vitro experiments showed that LNT inhibited 4T1 cell proliferation and the expression of EMT-related proteins (vimentin, WNT1) in a concentration-dependent manner, thereby activating PPARγ. Conditioned media from treated cells induced macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype, characterized by the upregulation of iNOS and downregulation of ARG1. Some concentrations exhibited non-monotonic dose responses, suggesting the existence of an optimal effect window. Bioinformatics analysis and clinical sample validation revealed that PPARγ was underexpressed in breast cancer and associated with a poor prognosis; furthermore, its expression levels positively correlated with macrophage infiltration and lipid metabolism pathways. In animal experiments, a high-fat diet promoted tumor growth and lung metastasis, as well as the expression of PCNA, VEGFA, and ARG1 (P<0.001). LNT intervention reduced tumor volume and downregulated PCNA, Vimentin, WNT1, and ARG1, while upregulating PPARγ, p-ERK1/2, and iNOS (P<0.05). LNT inhibited EMT while activating ERK1/2, and combined with pro-angiogenic repair effects, suggesting that ERK activation may improve the tumor microenvironment. Lentinan exerts protective effects in a high-fat diet-induced breast cancer model by activating PPARγ, regulating lipid metabolism and EMT signaling, inhibiting breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, and promoting TAM polarization toward the M1 phenotype. The regulation of PPARγ by LNT is microenvironment-dependent, exhibits non-monotonic dose responses for some targets, and activates the ERK1/2 pathway in the meanwhile inhibiting EMT. These complex characteristics reflect its multi-target, network-based mechanism of action. This study provides a theoretical basis and experimental foundation for the use of lentinan as an adjuvant intervention strategy for obesity-related breast cancer.
This study aimed at systematically investigating the protective effect and underlying mechanism of crude polysaccharides from the pileus of Morchella sextelata (CPPM) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. CPPM was prepared via water extraction and alcohol precipitation. Its monosaccharide composition, with glucose as the core component, and molecular weight distribution were analyzed using high-performance size-exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering and refractive index detection (HPSEC-MALLS-RID). In vitro experiments demonstrated that CPPM possessed significant concentration-dependent free radical scavenging capacity. At a concentration of 4 mg/mL, the scavenging rates for DPPH, ABTS+, ·OH and O2·- reached 92.8%, 90.4%, 85.5%, and 47.2%, respectively. Furthermore, CPPM showed no cytotoxicity towards LO2 and AML12 cells at concentrations up to 100 μg/mL. It effectively reversed hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced decrease in hepatocyte viability, significantly enhanced intracellular glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (P<0.05), and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content. CPPM also protected hepatocytes by regulating apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3/9) via the mitochondrial pathway. In vivo studies were conducted using a TAA-induced mouse model of hepatic fibrosis. Compared with the model group, CPPM intervention (100-400 mg/kg) dose-dependently and significantly reduced the liver index (P<0.05) and improved liver function parameters, manifested as decreased serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Further serological analysis confirmed that CPPM significantly downregulated the levels of key hepatic fibrosis markers, including procollagen type Ⅲ (PC Ⅲ), collagen type Ⅳ (Ⅳ-C), laminin (LN), and hyaluronic acid (HA) (P<0.05). CPPM also effectively modulated inflammation and fibrosis-related factors, such as reducing transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels and maintaining interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression. Histopathological examination (HE and Masson staining) of liver tissues visually demonstrated that CPPM treatment significantly alleviated lobular architectural distortion, fibrous septum widening, and inflammatory cell infiltration, with the most pronounced improvement observed in the high-dose group. This study indicates that Morchella polysaccharide exerts significant anti-fibrotic effects through its potent in vitro antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities. In vivo, it operates via an integrated multi-pathway mechanism involving improvement of liver function, inhibition of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, regulation of inflammation-related factor expression, and mitigation of pathological damage. These findings provide an experimental basis for developing crude Morchella polysaccharide as a functional food or dietary supplement for adjuvant intervention in hepatic fibrosis.
To investigate the biotransformation potential of edible and medicinal fungi on grain matrices, the wild Grifola albicans f. huishuhua GF8 from Mountain Tai was used to conduct solid-state fermentation on seven types of grains-oats, wheat, rice, millet, soybean, black bean (a cultivar of soybean with black seed-coat), and corn-over a 30-day period. The dynamic variations in bioactive components, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, and flavonoids, during fermentation were systematically examined, and their correlations with in vitro antioxidant activity were explored. It was revealed that solid-state fermentation significantly enhanced the accumulation of bioactive compounds in grains, with the most pronounced effect observed for polyphenols. After 30 days of fermentation, the total phenolic content in rice increased to 2.66 times that of the unfermented control, while the polysaccharide content in oats rose to 3.96 times. In vitro antioxidant assessments showed that the fermented grain extracts exhibited marked improvement of DPPH radical scavenging capacity, ABTS radical scavenging capacity, and ferric ion reducing power. Additionally, ethanol extracts demonstrated significantly superior overall antioxidant activity compared to water extracts. Correlation analysis further indicated a strong positive relationship between polyphenol content and all antioxidant indices measured. For example, the correlation coefficient between oat polyphenols and DPPH scavenging activity reached 0.965, and that between soybean polyphenols and reducing power was 0.961. Concentration-dependent experiments confirmed a clear dose-response relationship in the antioxidant activity of polyphenol solutions. At a concentration of 200 μg/mL, both soybean and black bean extracts achieved DPPH scavenging rates exceeding 99%. Through a multi-grain model, this study demonstrates that solid-state fermentation with G. albicans f. huishuhua effectively enhances the antioxidant capacity of grains by elevating polyphenol levels, thereby providing a theoretical basis for developing high-value functional grain products.
Liquid culture media for Ganoderma lingzhi were prepared using different carbon and nitrogen sources, and the effects of different carbon-nitrogen source formulas on the biomass, diameter and density of G. lingzhi mycelia as well as the activities of four extracellular enzymes, carboxymethyl cellulase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and laccase, in the liquid culture were studied. The results showed that when liquid culture was carried out in the medium using corn flour as carbon source and alfalfa powder as nitrogen source, the growth state of G. lingzhi was the best; the mycelial ball size was uniform, with the smallest diameter of 0.33 cm and the highest density of 7.67 pellets/mL. The activities of polyphenol oxidase and laccase in the liquid culture were the highest, reaching 227.29 U/mL and 195.81 U/mL respectively, and the activities of carboxymethyl cellulase and peroxidase were at a relatively high level, reaching 146.36 U/mL and 16.71 U/mL respectively. In conclusion, corn flour and alfalfa powder can significantily promote the growth and the content of ganoderic acid of G. lingzhi.
Three new varieties of Lentinula edodes were bred by monospore hybridization and systematic breeding method. The cultivation cycle of the three new varieties is 90-100 days. They are suitable for winter-spring facility shelf cultivation, with a spawn running density of 70 bags per square meter. The fruiting body of ‘Jixiang No.1’ is round and solitary, with firm and compact. Pileus is 51-66 mm in diam. and 11-14 mm thick. The gills are white, and the stipe is thick at the upper part and thin at the lower part. The fruiting body of ‘Chengxiang No.1’ is regular in shape, with a maximum individual weight of 69 g. The pileus is 55-84 mm in diam. and 10-16 mm thick, compact and tardy opening; the stipe is uniform in thickness from top to bottom. ‘Chengxiang No.2’ young primordia are conical at the top, and mature pilei tend to be flat. The pileus is relatively pale in color with thickness of 10-18 mm and peripheral scales; the stipe is thick at the upper part and thin at the lower part. The three varieties are suitable for cultivation in Hebei Province and regions with similar climatic conditions.
Three new Ganoderma cultivars from Yunnan, G. dianzhongense “Yunling No.6”, G. leucocontextum “Yunling No.7”, and G. leucocontextum “Yunling No.8”, were bred through systematic selection and evaluated for years from 2021 to 2025. The taxonomic identity was based on morphological observation and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The three cultivars shared several desirable traits, including laccate, highly glossy pileus surfaces, thick context, and the absence of black melanoid lines in the context. “Yunling No.6” had oxblood-red to purplish red-brown basidiomata, mostly circular pilei, brown context, and slender centrally attached stipe. “Yunling No.7” had reddish-brown basidiomata, circular pilei at maturity, white context, and robust centrally attached stipe. “Yunling No.8” had yellowish-brown basidiomata, fan-shaped or semicircular pilei, often branched to form two to three pilei, snow-white context, and laterally attached stipe. All three cultivars are adapted to medium- to low-temperature conditions, with an optimal temperature range of 18-26 ℃ for basidioma development. The “Yunling” series has clear advantages in morphology, agronomic performance, and bioactive compound accumulation, thereby enriching China’s Ganoderma germplasm resources and providing high-quality cultivar options for the plateau Ganoderma industry.
