Abstract
Light influences developmental pathways in fungi. Recent transcriptomic and biochemical analyses have demonstrated that light influences the metabolism of a white-rot basidiomycete Cerrena unicolor. However, the expression profile of genes involved in the growth and development, or micromorphological observations of the mycelium in response to variable lighting and culturing media, have not performed. We aim to reveal the effect of light and nutrients on C. unicolor growth and a potential relationship between the culture medium and lighting conditions on fungus micromorphological structures. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed for morphological observations of C. unicolor mycelium cultivated in red, blue, green, and white light and darkness on mineral and sawdust media. A comprehensive analysis of C. unicolor differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was employed to find global changes in the expression profiles of genes putatively involved in light-dependent morphogenesis. Both light and nutrients influenced C. unicolor growth and development. Considerable differences in the micromorphology of the mycelia were found, which were partially reflected in the functional groups of DEGs observed in the fungus transcriptomes. A complex cross-interaction of nutritional and environmental signals on C. unicolor growth and morphology was suggested. The results are a promising starting point for further investigations of fungus photobiology.
Highlights
Sunlight is a very important signal for every living cell
We aim to reveal the effect of light and nutrients on C. unicolor growth and the potential relationship between culture medium and lighting conditions on fungus micromorphological structures
Micromorphological observations of the mycelial structures and growth characteristics of the fungus were carried out using five-day-old C. unicolor aerial mycelium, cultivated in Lindeberg-Holm [40] (LH) mineral medium and two different ash sawdust media in controlled lighting conditions
Summary
Sunlight is a very important signal for every living cell. It can be considered crucial for successful competition and survival in nature. Fungi use light as a source of information about the surrounding environment [1]. These microorganisms are equipped with several photosensory systems and can respond to different light intensities and colors [1,2,3]. Light affects the activity of numerous genes influencing metabolic and morphogenetic pathways related to many aspects of fungal life, i.e., control of developmental decisions, stress response, physiological adaptations, and the circadian clock [4]. Light signaling is tightly linked with other pathways such as asexual sporulation, sexual development, primary metabolism, and the production of specific enzymes, demonstrating the complexity of light sensing and signal transduction in fungi [5,6]. Light signaling must be tightly connected with other signaling cascades, developmental pathways, and metabolic networks [1,4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
