Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of epigenetic regulator gene families in the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum.

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Citation abstract

Epigenetic regulator (ER) genes, crucial for fungal growth and development, remain largely unexplored in Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal mushroom valued for its bioactive compounds. This study identified 81 ER genes in G. lucidum, distributed across 12 chromosomes and classified into six families: 3 chromatin remodelers, 4 DNA methyltransferases, 7 histone acetyltransferases, 22 histone deacetylases, 23 histone methyltransferases, and 22 histone demethyltransferases. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses with other species revealed conserved orthologs and species-specific clusters. Gene duplication analysis suggested whole-genome duplication expanded ER gene families, primarily histone demethyltransferases under purifying selection. Additionally, gene structure, motif, and domain analyses revealed family-specific intron/exon organization and conserved domains. Transcriptome profiling across four developmental stages (mycelium, primordia, young and mature fruiting body) revealed dynamic stage-specific expression patterns, suggesting their developmental significance. The result of qRT-PCR validated the expression patterns for 18 ER genes, laying foundation for future research exploring epigenetic regulation in fungal development and bioactive compound production.