Enhanced Expression of Thaumatin-like Protein Gene (<i>LeTLP1</i>) Endows Resistance to <i>Trichoderma atroviride</i> in <i>Lentinula edodes</i>

• Main Authors: Xiaolong Ma, Xiaolin Fan, Gangzheng Wang, Ruiping Xu, Lianlian Yan, Yan Zhou, Yuhua Gong, Yang Xiao, Yinbing Bian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Life
• Subjects: <i>Lentinula edodes</i>; <i>Trichoderma atroviride</i>; resistance mechanism; LeTLP1
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/11/8/863

<i>Lentinula edodes</i> (shiitake mushrooms) is heavily affected by the infection of <i>Trichoderma atroviride</i>, causing yield loss and decreases quality in shiitake mushrooms. The selection and breeding of fungal-resistant <i>L. edodes</i> species are an important approach to protecting <i>L. edodes</i> from <i>T. atroviride</i> infection. Herein, a highly resistant <i>L. edodes</i> strain (Y3334) and a susceptible strain (Y55) were obtained by using a resistance evaluation test. Transcriptome analyses and qRT-PCR detection showed that the expression level of <i>LeTLP1</i> (<i>LE01Gene05009</i>) was strongly induced in response to <i>T. atroviride</i> infection in the resistant Y3334. Then, <i>LeTLP1-</i>silenced and <i>LeTLP1</i>-overexpression transformants were obtained. Overexpression of <i>LeTLP1</i> resulted in resistance to <i>T. atroviride</i>. Compared with the parent strain Y3334, <i>LeTLP1-</i>silenced transformants had reduced resistance relative to <i>T. atroviride.</i> Additionally, the <i>Le</i>TLP1 protein (Y3334) exhibited significant antifungal activity against <i>T. atroviride</i>. These findings suggest that overexpression of <i>LeTLP1</i> is a major mechanism for the resistance of <i>L. edodes</i> to <i>T. atroviride.</i> The molecular basis provides a theoretical basis for the breeding of resistant <i>L. edodes</i> strains and can eventually contribute to the mushroom cultivation industry and human health.