Aphanobasidium pseudotsugae, semitranslucent fruiting bodies growing on the underside of a rotten plank in Finland (Otto Miettinen 13206). [Photo credit: Otto Miettinen]

Aphanobasidium pseudotsugae OMC1630

This genome was sequenced as part of the JGI CSP "1000 Fungal Genomes – Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya" project. Within the framework of this project, we are sequencing keystone lineages of saprophytic, mycorrhizal, and endophytic fungi that are of special ecological importance. Dozens of sequenced species were harvested from Long Term Observatories to serve as the foundation for a reference database for metagenomics of fungi and for a comprehensive survey of the soil fungal metatranscriptome.

Aphanobasidium pseudotsugae is a common wood-inhabiting fungal species found throughout the Northern Hemisphere growing on decaying wood of conifers. Field observations indicate that the species is likely a white-rot fungus. Aphanobasidium belongs to the family Pterulaceae, hygrophoroid clade, Agaricales (Larsson 2007, Binder et al. 2009, Hibbett et al. 2014). In North Europe, A. pseudotsugae is one of the most dominant corticioid species decaying conifer logs.

While the order Agaricales is dominated by species with agaric or mushroom-like fruiting bodies, Aphanobasidium is one of the few known genera with corticioid or crust-like, effused fruiting bodies in the order (Larsson 2007). Because Aphanobasidium belongs to one of the earliest-branching clades of the Agaricales, it likely reflects some of the ancestral features of Agaricales genomes, including genes related to fruiting body development. The genome will be used to examine the evolution of genes involved in fruiting body development and complex multicellularity. There is no consensus on the ancestral fruiting body morphology in the Agaricales, nor is there a genomic understanding of the single or multiple origins of pileate-stipitate forms (fruiting bodies with cap and stipe) in this order. Aphanobasidum has a key phylogenetic position for informing inferences on these questions.

The genome is based on a single-spore isolate cultured from a fruiting body that grew on a fallen pine trunk (Pinus sylvestris) in Southern Finland.

The 1KFG project is a large collaborative effort aiming for master publication(s). Please do contact the PI for 1KFG - Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya (Dr. Francis Martin) for permission prior to the use of any data in publications.