Transcriptome analysis of differential gene expression in Dichomitus squalens during interspecific mycelial interactions and the potential link with laccase induction

Abstract

Interspecific mycelial interactions between white rot fungi are always accompanied by increased production of laccase. In this study, the potential of white rot fungi Dichomitus squalens for enhancing laccase production during interaction with two other white rot fungi Trametes versicolor or Pleurotus ostreatus was identified. To probe the mechanism of laccase induction and the role of laccase played during the combative interaction, we analyzed the laccase induction response to stressful conditions during fungal interaction related to the differential gene expression profile. We further confirmed the expression patterns of 16 selected genes by qRT-PCR analysis. We noted that many differential expression genes (DEGs) encoding proteins were involved in xenobiotics detoxification and ROS generation or reduction, including aldo/keto reductase, glutathione S-transferases, cytochrome P450 enzymes, alcohol oxidases and dehydrogenase, manganese peroxidase and laccase. Furthermore, many DEG-encoding proteins were involved in antagonistic mechanisms of nutrient acquisition and antifungal properties, including glycoside hydrolase, glucanase, chitinase and terpenoid synthases. DEGs analysis effectively revealed that laccase induction was likely caused by protective responses to oxidative stress and nutrient competition during fungal interspecific interaction.