Home • Cystostereum murrayi CysMur001 v1.0
Cystostereum murraii by Sundy Maurice
Cystostereum murraii by Sundy Maurice

Cystostereum murrayi

Cystostereum murrayi (Berk. & Curt.) Pouzar is a corticioid basidiomycete in the order Agaricales, causing white rot of downed tree trunks. In North America, it is found strongly associated with deciduous trees, whilst almost restricted to conifers (Picea abies) in Northern Europe. In Nordic countries the species is red-listed and considered as an indicator of mature forest with long ecological continuity.

Cystostereum murrayi produces perennial crust-like fruiting bodies, which are resupinate to effused-reflexed, a few millimeters thick, tuberculate and cracking with age. Microscopically characteristics are conspicuous bladder-like gloeocystidia filled with oil drops. The hyphal system is dimitic bearing clamps connection. Basidiospores are ellipsoid and hyaline, 4.5-5.5 x 2.5-3.0 µm.

Why sequence the genome?

The species has been sequenced in the framework of the 1000 Fungal Genomes Project, which aims to increase knowledge of phylogenetic relationships and functional diversity among fungi. It is the first genome sequenced from the family Cystostereaceae of the order Agaricales.

Analysis of the sequenced genome of C. murrayi will help to gain knowledge of both the biology of the species and evolutionary processes. Determining the phylogenetic placement of the species and tracing down the genetic determinants and gene families involved in substrate specificity, substrate-switching, and the formation of the coconut fragrance (typical to Cystostereum murrayi) are the key axes of inquiry. Biological knowledge arising from this genomics project is of significant interest in a forest management context and may influence the conservation of the Red List of threatened species.

The 1KFG project is a large collaborative effort aiming for master publication(s). Please do contact the PI associated with unpublished 1KFG genomes for permission prior to the use of any data in publications.

References

Eriksson J & Ryvarden L (1975) The Corticiaceae of North Europe. Vol. 3:323-325. Fungiflora, Oslo

Larsson K-H (2007) Re-thinking the classification of corticioid fungi. Mycological Research 111: 1040-1063. doi:10.1016/j.mycres.2007.08.001