Pleurotus tuoliensis (Pt) and P. eryngii var. eryngii (Pe) are important edible mushrooms. The epigenetic and gene expression signatures characterizing major developmental transitions in these two mushrooms remain largely unknown. Here, we report global analyses of DNA methylation and gene expression in both mushrooms across three major developmental transitions, from mycelium to primordium and to fruit body, by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA-seq-based transcriptome profiling. Our results revealed that in both Pt and Pe the landscapes of methylome are largely stable irrespective of genomic features, e.g., in both protein-coding genes and transposable elements (TEs), across the developmental transitions. The repressive impact of DNA methylation on expression of a small subset of genes is likely due to TE-associated effects rather than their own developmental dynamics. Global expression of gene orthologs was also broadly conserved between Pt and Pe, but discernible interspecific differences exist especially at the fruit body formation stage, and which are primarily due to differences in trans-acting factors. The methylome and transcriptome repertories we established for the two mushroom species may facilitate further studies of the epigenetic and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms underpinning gene expression during development in Pleurotus and related genera.

Larch wood, a prevalent cultivation medium for Ganoderma tsugae, has yet to be scrutinized concerning the differential impacts of sterilized and non-sterilized substrates on the growth and development of this fungus. Our present investigation sought to elucidate these effects in a forest-like environment. After larch wood segments were sun-dried, they were divided into two groups; one group was bagged and autoclaved, while the other group was bagged without any treatment. Subsequently, all segments were inoculated with the G. tsugae strain HLXL1 and ensconced under the canopy of a Pinus koraiensis forest, thereby approximating the conditions of natural growth. Wild G. tsugae was used as the control. Data on agronomic traits, production days, fruiting body yield, and effective constituent content were analyzed. The results indicated no significant differences between sterilized and non-sterilized substrates in terms of agronomic traits. However, the mineral content and bioactive compounds in G. tsugae fruiting bodies significantly differed across various growth stages. The outcomes were optimal for non-sterilized substrates, followed by sterilized substrates, while the wild strains were markedly less effective than the cultivated ones.

Background: Photoaging, induced by chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure, is a multifactorial skin disorder characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix degradation. Ganoderma lucidum glycoprotein (Gl-Gp) exhibits potent antioxidant activity, but its topical application is limited by poor transdermal permeability. This study aimed to develop a microemulsion-based system to enhance Gl-Gp delivery and evaluate its anti-photoaging efficacy. Methods: Gl-Gp was extracted and purified from G. lucidum fruiting bodies and structurally characterized for O-glycosidic linkages and O-GlcNAc modifications. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy further confirmed the polysaccharide–protein complex structure of Gl-Gp. A water-in-oil Gl-Gp microemulsion was prepared and assessed in vitro for antioxidant and cytoprotective effects in HaCaT cells, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduction, mitochondrial membrane potential stabilization, and apoptosis inhibition. Transdermal penetration was compared with aqueous Gl-Gp. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in a UV-induced rat model by measuring skin morphology, histology, oxidative stress markers, matrix metalloproteinases, and proinflammatory cytokines. Results: The microemulsion enhanced Gl-Gp stability and transdermal delivery. In vitro, it reduced ROS, preserved mitochondrial function, and decreased apoptosis in HaCaT cells. In rats, topical application attenuated erythema and epidermal hyperplasia, promoted dermal restoration, increased SOD and GSH-Px activities, and decreased MDA, hydroxyproline, MMPs, and inflammatory mediators. Conclusions: The Gl-Gp microemulsion exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-collagen-degrading effects, representing a promising strategy for transdermal delivery and topical prevention of photoaging.

Introduction: Polysaccharides are important bioactive components of Ganoderma tsugae fruiting bodies; however, the developmental dynamics and molecular processes associated with their accumulation remain poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate polysaccharide-associated metabolic remodeling during fruiting body development under oak-log biomimetic cultivation. Methods: Five developmental stages were examined, including primordia (T1), immature fruiting body (T2), pre-basidiospore discharge (T3), basidiospore discharge (T4), and the end of basidiospore discharge (T5). Crude polysaccharide content was determined, and transcriptomic and untargeted metabolomic analyses were integrated to identify key pathways, genes, and metabolites associated with polysaccharide accumulation. Selected genes were further validated by qRT-PCR. Results: Crude polysaccharide content increased from T1 to T3, reached a maximum at T3 (0.90 g/100 g), and subsequently declined. A total of 5,676 differentially expressed genes and 911 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified, with clear stage-dependent separation at both transcriptomic and metabolomic levels. Integrated KEGG analysis indicated that starch and sucrose metabolism was the core pathway associated with polysaccharide accumulation, whereas galactose metabolism functioned as a supplementary module contributing to precursor supply and structural diversification. Dynamic expression of FKS1 and multiple glycoside hydrolase-related genes, together with changes in sugar phosphates and disaccharide metabolites, suggested coordinated regulation of substrate degradation, precursor supply, glycan elongation, and carbon redistribution. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with the RNA-seq data. Discussion: These findings indicate that polysaccharide accumulation in G. tsugae fruiting bodies is a developmentally coordinated process rather than the result of a single isolated biosynthetic step. The T3 stage appears to represent a key transition point for polysaccharide accumulation and carbon metabolic reprogramming. This study provides a molecular and metabolic framework for understanding polysaccharide accumulation during G. tsugae development and offers potential candidate genes and pathways for future functional validation.