Sequencing Of Transcriptome And Screening Of Genes Involved In Cell Wall Degradation In Shiitaki Mushroom

Due to their high metabolic intensity, edible mushrooms may develop texture deterioration such as softening or lignification after harvest, which is an important factor affecting postharvest life and quality of mushrooms. Though there have been systematic studies on the cell wall secondary metabolism and texture changes in agricultural produces of plant origin, knowledge about cell wall composition, metabolism and related enzymes in edible mushrooms are scarce. This project aims at a systematic study on the molacular changes related to cell wall secondary metabolism shiitaki mushroom (Lentinula edodes) were treated with conditions which ehances softening of musuroom tissue, and a cDNA library of softening shiitaki mushroom was constructed. New Gereration Sequencing Technology was used to harvest sequences of the whole transcriptome. RT-PCR was used to screen reference gene and determine expression levels of 15 genes involved in cell wall deterioration of shiitaki mushroom. The results revealed that the expression levels of these genes, including Chitinase, β1,3-Glucanase, PG and XTE, increased significantly in the softening tissue. Indicating the involvement of these genes in the cell wall degradation process of shiitaki mushroom. The outcomes of this study would offer a guideline for development of techniques for maintaining quality, prolonging storage and shelf life of postharvest mushrooms.