Photo credit: Pierre-Arthur Moreau (University of Lille 2).

Within the framework of the JGI Mycorrhizal Genomics Initiative (MGI), we are sequencing a phylogenetically and ecologically diverse suite of mycorrhizal fungi, which include the major clades of symbiotic species associating with trees and woody shrubs. Analyses of these genomes will provide insight into the diversity of mechanisms for the mycorrhizal symbiosis, including ectomycorrhizae, ericoid- and orchid-mycorrhizae, and arbuscular mycorrhizae.

The alder bolete Gyrodon lividus

The genus Gyrodon is a northern hemisphere ectomycorhizal bolete with typical tubular hymenophore. It belongs to the clade Paxillinae in the Boletales (Homobasidiomycetes, the mushroom-forming fungi), along with the genera Paxillus (a gilled mushroom), Alpova and Melanogaster (gastroid mushrooms). Gyrodon lividus shows a remarkable high degree of host and habitat specificity as it associates only with a few Alnus species in Europe (A. glutinosa and A. incana) and is typically found fruiting under nitrogen-rich ecological conditions.

Several genomes of saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal Boletales have been produced by the MGI, including Boletus edulis, Paxillus rubicundulus, Suillus luteus and Coniophora puteana. The Gyrodon lividus genome will provide glimpse into the fruiting body evolution, more specifically the transition from tubular to gilled hymenophores. The genome will also help to resolve challenging questions about the evolution of specialisation in the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis and ecological adaptations.

The MGI is a large collaborative effort led by Francis Martin (INRA) aiming for master publication(s) describing the evolution of the mycorrhizal symbioses. Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished MGI genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the MGI master paper(s).